THE CAULFIELD GUINEAS – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
HISTORY: First run 1881 when won by Wheatear. Twice decided by a protest: 1979 Bold Diplomat relegated to second to Runaway Kid; 1987 Marwong promoted to first over Our Poetic Prince.
NOTABLE WINNERS: All Too Hard (2012); Lonhro (2001); Redoute’s Choice (1999); Mahogany (1993); Red Anchor (1984), Grosvenor (1982), Manikato (1978); Luskin Star (1977); Surround (1976); Vain (1969); Tulloch (1957); Ajax (1937), Heroic (1924).
TALKING POINTS:
* Skalato first-past-the-post in 2000 but disqualified after returning positive swab
* Helenus in 2002 last to claim Caulfield Guineas-Victoria Derby double
* Peter Snowden won two of last three Guineas for Sheikh Mohammed but chasing first one as independent trainer with Shooting To Win
* Red Anchor in 1984 last horse to complete Guineas-Cox Plate double in same season. Last year Shamus Award placed in Caulfield Guineas and won Cox Plate.
RACE ANALYSIS
PATTERN: Almalad expected to be prominent early from wide draw. Rich Enuff, Merion and Our Vespa all on-pace runners. Looks Like The Cat and Shooting To Win usually settle midfield, could be touch closer over longer trip, as could Kumaon from good draw.
FANCIED RUNNERS: Unbeaten at past three starts, Rich Enuff favoured to stretch his brilliance to a mile. Looks Like The Cat finished runner-up to Rich Enuff at past two starts and is second pick with Almalad and Shooting To Win considered best of Sydney’s three-year-olds.
BEST OF THE OUTSIDERS: Kumaon excellent in Bill Stutt Stakes when settled last and worked home for third in race which suited on-pace horses. Run underlined promise shown earlier, including slashing first-up second to Hallowed Crown in Sydney. Chivalry will be suited by mile and could feature if race truly run.
COX PLATE? With no obvious weight-for-age star among older horses, Caulfield Guineas winner could firm as Cox Plate contender.