The Early Oil: Herald Sun racing writer Michael Manley gives his extended preview of Saturday’s Caulfield meeting

HERALD Sun’s leading form analyst Michael Manley says Caulfield on Saturday should be the scene of another Duke Of Brunswick victory for all his loyal suffering fans.

Longeron should give the Kevin Dunne Plate a huge shake on Saturday having won at this track and distance. Picture: Getty Images

HERALD Sun’s leading form analyst Michael Manley says Caulfield on Saturday should be the scene of another Duke Of Brunswick victory for all his loyal suffering fans.

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Race 1: Catanach’s Jewellers Handicap (1200m)

Strong form lines from TENAPPY LADIES (2) debut second at Moonee Valley when she chased home spring aspirant Artie Tee Two. Third placegetter Trenchant then won impressively last week at Flemington. He showed good speed to lead on that occasion and fought on well. Mick Price took YU LONG SHENG HUI (4) to Wodonga for a soft six length kill at his debut. GIMLET (1) has had four starts for a win and three placings. Beaten by smart horse in Dissolute at Swan Hill last start. Ciaron Maher’s debutante DUNAMITE (8) was pushed out to win Pakenham Synthetic trial. WAZZENME (3) fought hard to win his debut at Bendigo.

Suggested bet: Tenappy Ladies the win

Race 2: Kevin Dunne Plate (2000m)

This race again sets up well for the dependable off-season galloper LONGERON (3) and Dwayne Dunn as they should be able to control the tempo. Strong win last start at Moonee Valley over 2040m. He’s also won this track and distance. He meets runner-up from his last start ALCOHOL (4) two kilos worse but again should have a start on his main rival. SELF SENSE (6) fought hard when second up second in the Swan Hill. Is also a winner this track and distance. Interesting runner is BONDEIGER (8) is a handy addition to the Weir legion. This VRC Derby runner-up lost form with Danny O’Brien but Weir often can switch recalcitrant gallopers back into form.

Suggested bet: Longeron the win

Race 3: Crown Golden Ale Handicap (1700m)

YULONG BABY (8) ran on well when first-up at Sandown with big weight. Form over summer was excellent and after 1.5kg claim for Mick Dee will carry only 52.5kg. Has had two starts at Caulfield for two wins. Consistent galloper PIN YOUR HOPES (4) fought hard to win narrowly at Flemington last Saturday. Drops 2.5kg on that win to 55kg which took his record to two wins and a second from his past three starts. Again should be able to get a good on speed run. SCHERZOSO (5) ran on strongly for third behind Vassal at Rosehill last start. Consistent and has the talent to win this. QADIR (7) ran on for third behind the in-form Leveraction at Flemington last start. ROYAL RAPTURE (1) won narrowly at Flemington last week.

Suggested bet: Yulong Baby each-way

Race 4: The Grand Hotel Frankston Handicap (1400m)

REWARDING EFFORT’S (14) performance to win his maiden at the Pakenham Synthetic reeked of a horse destined for bigger things. Sat well back in the run, eased to the outside and then left his rivals in his wake sprinting home to win by close to three lengths easing up. STORMCRAFT (2) is another horse who is destined to end up in better races. He’s impressed winning both of his starts since joining the Weir stables and still has a lot to learn. DIVINE MR ARTIE (3) put together a series of excellent runs before being eased up. After 3kg claim for Ben Thompson will only carry 53kg. Interesting runner is Tassie star JERILDERIE LETTER (1) has won six from eight. Resumed with rare defeat when first-up second at Devonport.

Suggested bet: Rewarding Effort the win

Race 5: The Cove Handicap (1200m)

Two lightly horses which showed a lot of potential over summer MAGICUS (10) and CAMDUS (12) resume and appeal as the main chances. The Chris Waller-trained Magicus won three and finished second from four starts at his first campaign. Won jump-out in good style at Flemington last Monday. CAMDUS (12) has won three from six starts despite looking as if he still had a lot to learn. Resumes here and is starting this campaign with blinkers off. BELESRON (2) gave away too big a start at Moonee Valley last time. Finished third at here two starts ago behind Olivier. LAST DAY (5) had little luck in Adelaide last start. ARMADA (4) struggled on heavy track at Ballarat last start but has talent. ILGATTINO (3) has won two from three for new stable.

Suggested bet: Magicus the win

Duke Of Brunswick (red cap) gets his best chance to jump back in the winner’s enclosure. Picture: Getty Images

Race 6: Ladbrokes.com.au.handicap (1400m)

DUKE OF BRUNSWICK (6) appears well placed to return to the winner’s circle. Should now be ready after three runs this time in with strong seconds at his past two starts. Last start he tried hard when second behind Voodoo Lad at Moonee Valley. Step up to 1400m should be ideal. The wetter the better for him too. Former Peter Moody trained galloper ULMANN (8) resumes for Darren Weir. He was competitive last spring against some top horses. ROYAL ISLAND (3) ran on well for second behind Thermal Current in the Golden Topaz Stakes last start.

BRADMAN (14) fought hard to win at Flemington last start. THE NEW BOY (7) didn’t lead last start at Flemington. Previous form was sound including win this track and distance. Look for him to roll forward this time.

Suggested bet: Duke Of Brunswick the win

Race 7: Sheen Group Plate (1100m)

LADY ESPRIT (7) was beaten less than a length behind Rich Charm when she resumed at Flemington recently. Second-up winner at Sandown last campaign.

Not much has gone right for WORLD OF HOPE (3) in the two starts since she defeated Chiavari at Cranbourne as she has found trouble at Sandown and then at Moonee Valley. Drawn out here which should ensure she stays out of trouble. CERTAIN ELLIE (4) found trouble in the same race at Moonee Valley last start behind Chiavari being held up over the closing stages. ANATOLA (8) showed a lot of ability in three starts for Peter Moody over summer including heavy track win at Cranbourne. Resumes for Mick Price.

Suggested bet: Lady Esprit each-way

Race 8: Racing Photos Handicap (2000m)

PLYMOUTH ROAD (4) is another son of Tavistock who has the makings of a top stayer. Strong all the way win at Mornington last start at his seventh starts. Improving with every start. Big run by FOUR BY FOUR (5) when he ran on strongly to finish fourth at Flemington last start over 200m behind the smart Whoop Whoop. SHE’S GOT SPEED (11) also finished off nicely for third in the same race. ON WINGS (9) finished off strongly in fast run race to win over 1900m at Geelong Synthetic last start. FEARLESS RAIDER (7) is also a promising stayer in the making. Three starts have been sound and step up to 2000m should suit. HURSLEY (1) ran on well for third last week behind Lady Selkirk at Flemington.

Suggested bet: Plymouth Road each-way

Race 9: Schweppes Handicap (1200m)

CHIAVARI (8) broke through with tough effort to win at Moonee Valley last start over 1000m. Four starts ago over 1200m she finished fifth in the Group 3 Bellmaine Stakes behind Tuscan Sling and Azkadellia and will carry 1.5 kilos less in this. SHADES OF BELLA (7) hasn’t started since finishing strongly for win this track and distance seven weeks ago. A LOTTA LOVE (3) was unlucky in that race and has subsequently finished third in Adelaide at Group 3 level and then finished second at Sandown behind the under-rated FORGERESS (2) who won this race last year. HOTEL SIERRA (11), KANSAS SUNFLOWER (14) and SEA SPRAY (15) have claims.

Suggested bet: Chiavari each-way

Has potential to go further: Chiavari gets the better of her rivals to salute at Moonee Valley. Picture: Getty Images

Originally published as The Early Oil: Herald Sun racing writer Michael Manley gives his extended preview of Saturday’s Caulfield meeting