Three Group 1 races are on offer this Saturday at Caulfield, beginning with the Neds Might And Power Stakes over 2000m.
A small but talented field of stayers have been accepted for the $1 million feature, and we could be in for a genuine battle between stablemates Alligator Blood and last-start Metropolitan winner, Just Fine.
There’s a case to be made for a few in this year’s Might And Power field, and our First Four betting strategy can be found below!
Neds Might And Power – Winner
This looks a lovely race for Edwards Cummings’ mare Duais.
Unashamedly, I’ve been a big fan of this mare throughout her career, and I think she’s finally back to her best if her recent effort in the Underwood was anything to go by.
The daughter of Shamus Award charged the line late for third behind Alligator Blood, putting up some decent late sectionals in the process to suggest she’s looking for the step up to 2000m.
She’ll need to settle closer in transit this time with some good horses engaged, but with Blake Shinn in winning form, she should be going very close.
Suggested Bet: No. 9 Duais
Neds Might And Power – 2nd
Just Fine’s recent resume speaks for itself, the Waterhouse and Bott gelding finally adding a Group 1 to his name in The Metropolitan two weeks ago.
It was a difficult watch for punters aboard the short-priced favourite in what turned out to be a tough battle down the straight alongside Spirit Ridge, but if we can take anything away, it’s that the step back to 2000m should be ideal.
The Waterhouse – Jordan Childs combination has produced plenty of winners in the past, and if he can establish a spot just off the speed and save something for late, I think the pair will be hard to beat.
Suggested Bet: No. 4 Just Fine
Neds Might And Power – 3rd
It’s hard to find fault with Alligator Blood’s latest win in the Underwood.
He appeared to move through the gears with ease all the way down the straight, winning with plenty in hand after settling off the speed.
I do wonder if he’s suited out to 2000m, but given he ran some big races behind Anamoe over this trip last spring, I still think he can land somewhere in the top five if he can find the front early.
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Alligator Blood
Neds Might And Power – 4th
Lindermann is more than capable of running a big race here at odds.
As we saw during the autumn when he won the Rosehill Guineas, 2000m is his go in life, and I think he’ll appreciate getting out over further now after tracking along nicely in the Underwood beaten three lengths.
He over-raced a little that day, so if Joao Moreira can get him to settle from the inside gate, he might surprise.
Suggested Bet: No. 8 Lindermann
