Caulfield Guineas 2017: Michael Manley runs the rule over the time-honoured Group 1

CAULFIELD Guineas favourite Royal Symphony’s only defeat may have been his best run, writes Herald Sun form analyst Michael Manley in his take on the famous race.

CAULFIELD Guineas favourite Royal Symphony’s only defeat may have been his best run, writes Herald Sun form analyst Michael Manley in his take on the famous race.

THE EARLY OIL: CAULFIELD GUINEAS DAY

HOT TIPS: WEEKEND BEST BETS

GLENN McFARLANE, DANNY RUSSELL AND CHRIS VERNUCCIO PREVIEW THE BIG RACES AT CAULFIELD ON SATURDAY PLUS THE EVEREST

$2 million CAULFIELD GUINEAS (1600m, 3YO)

Caulfield Race 8, 4.30pm

1 THE MISSION 11 Paul Perry Beau Mertens (a) 56.5kg $41

2 SUMMER PASSAGE 17 Scratched

3 AZAZEL 4 Tony McEvoy Luke Currie 56.5kg $41

4 SIRCCONI 13 Peter Morgan Linda Meech 56.5kg $34

5 SHOWTIME 1 M, W & J Hawkes Damien Oliver 56.5kg $12

6 ROYAL SYMPHONY 9 Tony McEvoy Dwayne Dunn 56.5kg $3.90

7 GOLD STANDARD 6 Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Stephen Baster 56.5kg $10

8 PERAST 2 Paul Perry Ben Melham 56.5kg $10

9 SANCTIONED 16 James Cummings Glyn Schofield 56.5kg $26

10 AL PASSEM 12 Ken Keys Ben Thompson (a) 56.5kg $101

11 KEMENTARI 10 James Cummings Damian Lane 56.5kg $5

12 ECLAIR SUNSHINE 14 Phillip Stokes Luke Nolen 56.5kg $34

13 SALSAMOR 8 Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Brad Rawiller 56.5kg $19

14 LEVENDI 7 Peter Gelagotis Anthony Darmanin 56.5kg $18

15 HOLY SNOW 15 Mick Price Michael Dee 56.5kg $26

16 CATCHY 3 D & B Hayes & T Dabernig Mark Zahra 54.5kg $4.60

17e MIGHTY BOSS 5 Mick Price Michael Walker 56.5kg $51

Odds: TAB

THE SPEED

Likely to be hectic with THE MISSION and SIRCCONI pushing forward from outside draws and SHOWTIME, PERAST and GOLD STANDARD kicking up from the inside. Should set up the race for swoopers such as ROYAL SYMPHONY, CATCHY and LEVENDI.

That all-important information for Caulfield Guineas Day. Artwork: Courtesy of MRC

THE FACTORS

TRACK: Good 3

RAIL: True

FORECAST: 20C, overcast.

THE SKINNY

With Michael Manley

THE MISSION

Has led and tired at his three starts this time in, although was better last start when sixth in the Stutt Stakes. Led throughout to win the Champagne Stakes on a bog Randwick track in the autumn and needs those conditions here.

SUMMER PASSAGE

Scratched

AZAZEL

Hasn’t had much luck recently after drawing badly but has finished nicely each time, the latest when seventh in the Stutt. Finally drawn a barrier and Tony McEvoy is buoyant about his prospects. Might be THE best roughie.

SIRCCONI

Brave on-pacer racing well. Fought on when second last Saturday behind Snitzepeg over 1400m at Flemington. This is a tougher but well drawn.

SHOWTIME

Stable has won this race twice in the past five years. Brave effort to win the Stutt after taking the lead a long way out. From barrier one will get a great on-speed run.

ROYAL SYMPHONY

Lost his first race at his fifth start but connections regarded his Prelude fourth as his best run to date, saying he gave away too much start off a slow tempo. Winkers on first time. He’s going to be suited by the fast speed and 1600m should be up his alley.

GOLD STANDARD

Sydney colt who comes through the races that have provided the past three winners, having won the Stan Fox Stakes at Randwick and followed that with fourth in the Golden Rose after drawing out. Not out of it.

Royal Symphony wins at last month. Picture: Getty Images

PERAST

Franked the Sydney form with strong on-speed win in the Prelude after an unlucky run in the Golden Rose. Drawn well. Right in this.

SANCTIONED

Finished well when fourth in the 2000m Spring Champion Stakes last Saturday at Randwick. This is an unorthodox back-up but, if the speed is on, which is likely, he could run a big race.

AL PASSEM

Never in it in the Prelude. Winner here but looks outclassed.

KEMENTARI

In a perfect spot in the Prelude but couldn’t haul in the leaders, who had gone at a slowish tempo. His best work was late and 1600m should suit. Will be in the finish.

ECLAIR SUNSHINE

Adelaide gelding who has been racing consistently. Raced greenly in the straight when fifth in the Prelude. Winkers on first time.

SALSAMOR

Promising stayer in the making. Ran home well for second in the Stutt behind Showtime. May need it longer.

LEVENDI

Finished strongly in the Prelude on the heels of Royal Symphony. Should be suited by 1600m and a fast speed.

HOLY SNOW

Not much luck in the Stutt but finished strongly when in the clear for third. Will go back and could be in the finish if the speed is on.

CATCHY

Trying to be the first filly to win this race since the mighty Surround in 1976. Best work was late when third in the Thousand Guineas Prelude with a big weight. Crying out for 1600m and good enough to win.

MIGHTY BOSS

Flashy colt racing in good fashion, but this looks a bridge too far.

MANLEY TIPS

1st ROYAL SYMPHONY

2nd Catchy

3rd Kementari

4th Levendi

Dwayne Dunn and Royal Symphony fly late to win at Flemington. Picture: Getty Images