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

HERALD Sun form analyst Michael Manley looks at the nine-race Caulfield card and lists The Quarterback as his standout selection.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 12: Craig Newitt riding The Quarterback wins race 6 the Lexus Newmarket Handicap during Super Saturday Racing at Flemington Racecourse on March 12, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images for VRC)

HERALD Sun form analyst Michael Manley looks at the nine-race Caulfield card and lists The Quarterback as his standout selection on what shapes as a testing autumn afternoon.

RACE 1

DELIBERATE (3) had a tough run last start when second to SLY ROMANCE (5) at Mornington. He was trapped wide throughout and was forced to make an early run. Was entitled to drop out but kept fighting to the line. He’s since had a hurdle trial at Ballarat. Sly Romance is bred on stout staying lines and went on to an easy win after having a softer run last start. In the same race CELTIC PRINCE (2) went out with a big lead with 1000m to go and tired. JILEKS SPUR (1) won this race easily last year but was in better form. Has had two jumps trials recently. DANE HUSSLER (4) won easily over 3600m at Oakbank so the 4000m shouldn’t pose a problem.

Suggested bet: Deliberate each-way.

RACE 2

URBAN RULER (3) overcame difficulties for impressive debut win at Ballarat as he struck trouble at the start, raced wide and then was held up in the straight. Can’t fault IF NOT NOW WHEN’s (2) form. Followed with impressive debut win at Bendigo with narrow win at Cranbourne where he had to rally hard in the last 50 metres to get up and score. SUMMER GLEN (11) showed good speed when third to If Not Now When at Bendigo. In the same race race VALLIANO (1) fought on well for third.

Is a Caulfield winner. ATLANTIC EXPRESS (6) worked home well at his debut on Boxing Day at only run for fifth. Won trial impressively at Werribee recently defeating DISSOLUTE (5).

Suggested bet: Urban Ruler each-way.

RACE 3

FRENCH EMOTION (8) winning streak came to an end last week at the hands of her stablemate who was backed to beat her at Sandown Hillside. Her closing sectionals were still good and she will enjoy the likely fast speed in this. SCARLET BILLOWS (2) wasn’t that far away at Group 1 level in the William Reid Stakes last start. 1400m winner at Flemington last campaign. WRITTEN (3) loves the 1400m and found the distance of 1590m in the Wangaratta Cup too far last start. WHISTLE BABY (4) tried hard when second to Wawail at Flemington last start. Weight scale favours her. AFLEET ESPRIT (1) is a winner this track and distance and is also suited at the weights.

Suggested bet: French Emotion the win.

RACE 4

Recalculate holds (centre) gets the better of his rivals at Warrnambool last May. Picture: Colleen Petch

Open race. RECALCULATE (8) was unlucky last start at Sandown Hillside as he received a severe check with 1000m to go. Shaping as if the step up to 1600m should suit. RED BOMBER (1) is a smart performer who didn’t finish the race off in the Victoria Handicap after sitting wide. Likes Caulfield and also suited by the weight scale. ZEBRINZ (2) ran on strongly in the same race. Step up to 1600m is ideal. ENTRE NOUS (3) is building up a great record and is aiming for hat-trick. At his last start he won the Wangaratta Cup. HOKKAIDO (5) is also racing consistently.

Suggested bet: Recalculate each-way.

RACE 5

APPROVED ANGER (7) looks a horse going places. The Darren Weir trained colt was impressive racing on the speed and winning easily at Sandown in a strong Maiden last start at only his third start. BENGAL CAT (10) returned to form with easy all the way win at Sandown last week against her own sex defeating the smart Silent Sedition. Another talented filly LAZUMBA (11) is better than her last start failure at Moonee Valley indicates. Adelaide gelding ROYAL RUMBLE (2) rounded up Lidari to win over 1600m two starts ago before dropping back in distance when third to Illustrious Lad also in Adelaide. TARQUIN (1) ran on well to win the Mornington Guineas last start.

Suggested bet: Approved Anger each-way.

RACE 6

The Quarterback gets the better of his rivals to win the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap. Picture: George Salpigtidis

THE QUARTERBACK (1) is racing in sensational fashion. Followed Newmarket win with massive effort in the William Reid Stakes where he missed the start by four lengths and tailed out but flew home to be beaten a length and a half. Races well this track and distance. For a horse rated 107 he is ideally placed on the weights. MISS PROMISCUITY (9) is a classy mare who loves this track and distance. She held off smart mare Sabatini to win here last start. Weight scale also suits. THERMAL CURRENT (2) is an under-rated sprinter who boasts strong formlines. Raced on speed and held off the fast finishers to win the Hareeba Stakes last start at Mornington. ALMIGHTY GIRL (12) is a lightly raced three-year-old filly who looks a topliner in the making. Sprinted home impressively to win at Group 3 level last start against her own sex.

Suggested bet: The Quarterback the win.

RACE 7

BONDEIGER (1) ran home strongly in race with depth when fourth to Velox over 2000m at Mornington last start. Victoria Derby runner-up who finished fourth in the Herbert Power at Caulfield last spring. Also finished unlucky third to FIREHOUSE ROCK (2) in similar race last spring this track and distance. Blinkers go back on to Firehouse Rock who hasn’t fired in two starts for Darren Weir. LONDON FOG (7) treated his rivals with contempt winning in Adelaide last star. Only blip recently was when he failed two starts ago at Moonee Valley when he endured a torrid run. WORD OF MOUTH (4) ran on well for third at Moonee Valley last start. Has been placed three of four starts here. Three-year-old RONG DOOR REGGIE (14) is showing promise. ADIRONDACK (5) is racing well for new stable.

Suggested bet: Bondeiger the win.

RACE 8

Precious Gem, ridden by Craig Williams, makes his move on the outside to salute at Flemington. Picture: Ian Currie

PRECIOUS GEM (8) was unlucky when second first-up to the classy Thermal Current in the Hareeba Stakes. She will be suited by the fast speed and step up to 1400m will suit. DAN ZEPHYR (4) finished on strongly in the same race. He loves 1400m and should get a great run on the speed. Brave 1400m specialist CHARMED HARMONY (1) will again take catching. Just grabbed by Newmarket runner-up Black Heart Bart in the Victoria Handicap last start. 60 kilos and barrier 16 are obstacles for him. JIMANDO (5) and YESTERDAY’S SONGS (7) both ran well in the Victoria Handicap finishing fourth and fifth respectively. Both will be suited by the speed. CHOOSE (9) is an above average mare who is drawn out.

Suggested bet: Precious Gem each-way.

RACE 9

RUETTIGER (11) resumes after faultless last campaign with two wins from two starts. First-up last campaign he won over 1200m this track defeating the talented We’ve Got This before winning at Sale defeating Just Magical. NIMINYPIMINY (15) races well fresh and has form around some smart horses. ANDRASSY (16) is an under-rated mare resuming. Is also a first-up winner. CORAM (17) has looked above average at times and also races well fresh. SQUEEAKY SQUIRREL (12) was close-up at Mornington last start and has finished second only run this track.

Suggested bet: Ruettiger each-way.