The Caulfield Stakes sees a select field of eight runners taking part. Those who competed in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (Ocean Park, Manighar and Sincero) dominate the early market.
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1. MANIGHAR – Scratched
2. SINCERO
Very good run/ride first up when winning the G2 Memsie Stakes (1400m) here at Caulfield on the first of the month and backed that up with a solid fifth (beaten 3.3) in the G1 Underwood Stakes. Has had three cracks at this trip and his yet to register a placing which is a concern but being third up and having drawn to get a good run, will never have a better chance to break that record.
Odds: $4.60
3. MIDAS TOUCH
He was scratched from the G1 Metrop (2400m) last week for here. Best of his four runs in this prep was his latest when seventh of ten runners (beaten 3.2) in the G2 Hill Stakes behind Lamasery. Likely leader and a tough one-batter but doubt he’ll be able hold some of these runners off late.
Odds: $19.00
4. ALCOPOP
He started favourite in the 2009 Melbourne Cup but since, has struggled to return to that form. This will be his fifth run in this prep – his latest was a seventh of fourteen in the G3 JRA Cup (2040m) behind Bianmick. It’s hard to see him winning this off of that run.
Odds: $10.00
5. SANAGAS
He was the winner of the G1 Hollywood Cup (2414m) in the US where he had built up a record of seven wins from eleven starts. Wasn’t expecting much from him on his Australian debut in the G2 Memsie Stakes and only a run at his last start in the Underwood Stakes (10th, beaten 4.9). The step up again in distance suits.
Odds: $31.00
6. OCEAN PARK
Showed his potential as a 3yo with a close second in the G1 Rosehill Guineas and appears to be delivery on that promise. He returned with a good win in New Zealand and was very good in winning the G1 Underwood Stakes last start. Does have an awkward draw to contend with but to counter that, has a good turn of foot, good jockey and good form.
Odds: $1.55
7. SABRAGE
Won the Norman Robinson as a 3yo and ran second in the VRC Derby but in nine subsequent runs, has managed one placing – a second in the G1 SA Derby. Fair enough at his most recent two starts (sixth in the Listed Slickpix) and fifth in the G3 JRA Cup but jumps to the WFA scale here and should be safely held.
Odds: $19.00
8. VATUVEI
He’s a dour staying type who has the Listed VRC St. Ledger (2800m) on his CV. He’s had two runs back this prep over the unsuitable journeys of 1400 and 1600m but even with the step up to 2000m here, a win would be a huge upset.
Odds: $19.00
OVERVIEW
It looks a match race between Ocean Park and Manighar – both proven WFA performers and get to their pet distances. Ocean Park won the last bout but (and has been backed early $2.50 – $2.30) fancy we’ll see a much better effort here from Manigher third up and a slightly better price ($2.80). Third looks to go to Sincero who’ll get every chance from his draw but just a slight query over him running out a good 2000m.