Monday Racebook: Gilbert Gardiner’s horses to follow, forgive at Caulfield

Herald Sun racing writer Gilbert Gardiner has run a rule over Caulfield Guineas Day to identify horses to follow and forgive.

Herald Sun racing writer Gilbert Gardiner runs a rule over Caulfield Guineas Day.

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FIVE TO FOLLOW

ORCHESTRAL (unplaced, R10)

No match for the winner on the day but entitled to finish closer. Fairly away and settled in the back half of the field, inside runners. Not the place to be. Jockey Daniel Stackhouse saved ground around the bend but was held up behind tiring horses going backwards. Lost all momentum. Strong to the line once clear inside the last 150m. Forget the New Zealand star even went around. Is $26 with Ladbrokes for the Group 1 Champions Stakes (2000m). Worth a nibble?

BROADSIDING (fourth, R8)

The Caulfield Guineas became an expensive barrier trial for the triple Group 1-winner unable to threaten on the day, only second up last Saturday and should improve markedly from the performance. Jumped only fairly and snagged back to the rail to settle second and third last in run, hooked wide in the straight but inferior ground out there compared to the inside two or three lanes. First and second in the Guineas settled first and third respectively in the run. Third-up Cox Plate with a featherweight a tasty proposition.

COCO SUN (unplaced, R7)

Lovely Caulfield Cup trial and should be around the money on Saturday with only 50kg and star international jockey Karis Teetan on her back. Coco Sun went through her gears nicely in the Group 1 Might And Power Stakes but under pressure when they sprinted in pursuit of all-the-way leader DENY KNOWLEDGE. Liked the way ADELAIDE RIVER (fourth) galloped also seven days out from the Caulfield Cup – like Coco Sun should the appreciate 2400m tempo. ATISHU on track to defend her Champions Stakes title.

BRAYDEN STAR (unplaced, R6)

Charged late out wide on the wrong part of the track to be in a photo finish for third. Similar performance in the Herbert Power Stakes last year then touched off in the Group 3 Bendigo Cup (2400m). Would be hard to beat again if he returned to Bendigo in two and a bit weeks. Melbourne Cup-qualified South Australian stayer THE MAP (unplaced) is also on track for the race that stops a nation. The Geelong Cup in 10 days should top her off nicely.

MAHARBA (third, R9)

Awkward into stride from the barriers, fought the rider and had to be restrained to balance up and settled last in the run. Raced ungenerously first-up through the middle of stages at the back of the field. Tracked the winner BELLATRIX STAR in the straight and finished the race off well. Has won and been runner-up twice second-up previously.

Another Wil disappointed in the Toorak Handicap but should bounce back quickly. Picture: George Sal/Racing Photos via Getty Images

FORGIVE

ANOTHER WIL (unplaced, R10)

Used up early to settle on speed inside another runner and could not burn the candle at both ends. Flat-footed as ANTINO, with a blistering early move, surged past and under pressure, out of comfort zone, straight away. Great overall record, seven wins from 11 starts, and should bounce back quickly.

ANGEL CAPITAL (unplaced, R8)

Back and widest in the straight, pushed deeper again as BROADSIDING shouldered into the clear. Angel Capital chased steadily on the wrong part of the track, previous form showed the colt much better than what he displayed last Saturday. WANARUAH and PUBIC ATTENTION were also inconvenienced in the run, the former pulled up with a minor cut to the off hind leg, having raced on heels and in restricted room.

GEAR UP (unplaced, R6)

Raced in overdrive and paid the price. Posted three wide without cover in the middle stages of the race and pushed forward. Ended up in a line of three approaching the bend, as POST IMPRESSIONIST made an early move from back in the field, and came under pressure. Used up too much fuel early and entitled to fade.

Originally published as Monday Racebook: Gilbert Gardiner’s horses to follow, forgive at Caulfield