Raceday focus: Best bets, analysis for Caulfield twilight program

After a successful hit-and-run Gold Coast mission, champion jockey Damien Oliver returns to Caulfield with a strong book of rides for the summer twilight program. BEST BETS, ANALYSIS

Gilbert Gardiner

@gilbertgardiner

less than 2 min read

January 14, 2020 - 7:41PM

Champion jockey Damien Oliver is the one to watch at Caulfield this afternoon with a number of plum rides.

Herald Sun sports reporter Gilbert Gardiner has found Neurotic as Ollie’s best chance, while a first-starter for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace in Race 1 could get punters off to a flyer.

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BEST BET

NEUROTIC (R6, No. 8 — $4.40)

Savaged the line last start from back in the field at the Valley like a horse ready to win. Drawn a shade wide but jockey Damien Oliver is a master at finding runs that others don’t.

RAINBOW THIEF (R7, No. 11 — $3.90)

Only wins been on heavy tracks but on slashing finish first up at Caulfield on Boxing Day can win today up in trip and from inside alley.

NEXT BEST

CHEVYCHASER (R1, No. 3 — $3.80)

Three year-old son of Cox Plate winner Adelaide making his debut for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace must be respected.

DONNDUBHAN (R4, No. 2 — $5.50)

Bold on-pacer is in a rich vein of form, with three wins and two seconds from past seven starts. Will be in front a long way.

VALUE BET

EPIC GREY (R5, No. 3 — $9.50)

Ex-West Australian sprinter has shown ability in two spaced Victorian starts. Betting moves?

THUNDERDOME (R8, No. 12 — $10)

Honest gelding has run fourth in past three starts beaten 1.4, 1.5 and 1.5 lengths. Will be thereabouts again with luck from good draw.

THE JOCKEY

DAMIEN OLIVER

Strong book for champion jockey Oliver today at Caulfield with five horses in single figures including PARLOPHONE (R3, No. 8), WRITTEN CHOICE (R4, No. 4) and REGAL RIFFLE (R8, No. 17).