Caulfield tips: Our experts take an early look at the best bets on Cup Day

OUR best intentions for raceday are always to remain very ellegant but sometimes after a couple of refreshments things can give way, particularly our pronunciation, which makes Verry Elleegant a great omen bet.

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PUNTERS might have to wait until the last race for the best bet on Caulfield Cup Day, but form analyst Michael Manley is confident it will be worth it, while he is leaning to an international raider in the Cup.

The Herald Sun’s leading tipster said the Darren Weir-trained Peaceful State ticks plenty of boxes in the last, while he likes the combination of jockey Hugh Bowman and champion Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien with The Cliffsofmoher in the Caulfield Cup.

Superracing’s Simon Moy is sticking with the locals in the Cup, and backing the expertise of jockey Damien Oliver to deliver the goods on last year’s Victoria Derby winner Ace High.

Take a look at their early picks for a cracking day of racing at Caulfield.

Moy also reckons he has a knockout omen bet with Verry Elleegant.

Suggesting our best intentions for raceday are always to remain very ellegant but sometimes after a couple of refreshments things can give way, particularly our pronunciation, Moy reckons Verry Elleegant looms as a great bet.

MICHAEL MANLEY’S TIPS

THE EARLY BEST

PEACEFUL STATE

(R10, No.5)

Top class galloper who looks well placed to win this. Had no luck last start when 12th in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes as he was trapped wide throughout. Prior to that run he finished second to his stablemate and subsequent Group 1 winner Land Of Plenty over 1200m at The Valley, and his run was almost as good.

Peaceful State has good form around Group 1-winning stablemate Land Of Plenty. Picture: Atkins Photography

OTHER EARLY TIPS

KHULAASA

(R1, No.1)

Tried hard against the boys last start at Flemington when beaten in a photo by Wild Planet and Ranier. Back against own sex but that run is good enough for this.

VERRY ELLEEGANT

(R5, N0.6)

Former Kiwi filly who impressed at her Australian debut when third to her stablemate and subsequent Group 1 winner Amphitrite in the Edward Manifold Stakes. Step up to 2000m is ideal.

SIKORSKY

(R6, No.10)

Great run last start when second to Extra Brut as he had to work hard early. Better drawn here and should go close to turning the tables on that colt.

CAULFIELD CUP

THE CLIFFSOFMOHER

(R8, No.2)

Aidan O’Brien can win his first Caulfield Cup. Huge effort last Saturday when fourth in the Caulfield Stakes. Extra distance ideal as he finished second in last year’s English Derby.

THE WHISPERS

BEST SOLUTION

(R8, No.1)

Werribee track watchers have been impressed by this in-form Godolphin stayer who has won his past three starts, with the past two at Group 1 level.

YULONG JANUARY

(R2, No.3)

Ciaron Maher is excited about the ability of the unbeaten colt who has won his three starts impressively – his first two at Swan Hill and his last one at Randwick.

INVINCIBLE GEM

(R9, No.4)

Kris Lees is confident about her prospects in the Tristarc Stakes.

THE TRAINER

JAMES CUMMINGS

RACE 2: GOTHIC STAKES

RANIER (AUS) — 3yo Colt by Lonhro (AUS) out of Kanzan (AUS)

“He should have an excellent chance of running well again. He’s still three or four months away and I’d love to see him break through here and keep going ahead to a nice race in February or March next year. He’s got to win to prove that he’s the right horse.”

James Cummings is hoping Ranier has more luck than he did last start. Picture: Getty Images

SIMON MOY’S FIRST TAKE ON CUP DAY

BEST BETS

EXTRA BRUT

(Race 6, No. 3)

Forced to overcome wide gate at Flemington but still came through with flying colours for third consecutive win. Extra distance ideal and should be winning again.

GREY SHADOW

(Race 4, No. 4)

Two from two at this track and distance. Draws the rails to dictate from the front. Looks a great chance.

VERRY ELLEEGANT

(Race 5, No. 6)

Former New Zealander, who couldn’t get a clear run at them until late in first start here. Can expect further improvement.

INVINCIBELLA

(Race 9, No. 3)

Absolutely thrives at this distance and comes off a dominant win at Flemington last start. With another good draw and the services of Hugh Bowman, looks a great chance to make it third win from four starts this campaign.

Invincibella can back up her impressive Flemington win with another strong performance at Caulfield. Picture: AAP

EACH WAY

TRAP FOR FOOLS

(Race 7, No. 3)

Far from disgraced when fought on gamely to finish less than two lengths behind Winx in Turnbull Stakes. Rails draw gives him every opportunity again.

CAULFIELD CUP

ACE HIGH

(Race 8, No. 6)

Damien Oliver described his work on Tuesday as ‘lazy’ but don’t let that deter you and usually saves his best for raceday. Powerful performance last start to win in Sydney over 2000m and will appreciate the extra 400m. Good gate. Top chance.