There is plenty of fantastic racing taking place right across the country this Saturday afternoon including a quality nine race meeting at Caulfield.
Our full Caulfield Raceday, Saturday 8th January Preview can be found below.
Preview brought to you by Ladbrokes. Learn more about Ladbrokes HERE.
Race 1 – 12:45pm – 2YO Handicap (1000m)
The Freedman camp saddle up the favourite Philosopher in the opening race of the day but with no exposed form to go on, I’m happy to sit this one out.
Race 2 – 1:20pm – Benchmark 70 Handicap (2380m)
This was a tough race to assess but I’ve landed on Packer’s Bond at nice each way odds.
The five year old gelding was dominant at Kilmore when scoring by over two lengths over 2000m before he was placed at The Valley last time out.
It will be the first time he steps out over this trip but he has drawn to get a nice run throughout from barrier two.
Race 3 – 1:55pm – Benchmark 70 Handicap (1400m)
Lavish Girl has been competitive in black type racing all throughout this prep and her consisency at that level was rewarded when breaking though for a much deserved win last start.
The daughter of Xtravagent dropped back in grade to win convincingly at Flemington and this race does not look any harder than that one.
Race 4 – 2:30pm – Benchmark 70 Handicap (1100m)
Marine One proved he is an exciting colt with plenty of natural speed during a successful spring campaign.
He put together back to back wins before being outclassed in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes down the Flemington straight.
In his last start at Pakenham, he bounced back to winning form after five weeks in between runs and has again been kept fresh for this assignment.
Race 5 – 3:05pm – Benchmark 70 Handicap (1800m)
Reliable Dude has returned two nice efforts so far this prep and he was beaten less than two lengths at headquarters last start.
He has been a consistent performer throughout his short racing career so far, placing in seven of 13 starts.
The step up in distance will suit at this stage of his prep and he is the one to beat.
Race 6 – 3:45pm – Benchmark 100 Handicap (2000m)
Criaderas stepped up to 2000m for the first time in the Summer Cup at Randwick to be beaten only three quarters of a length into second.
He’s been lumped with the big weight in this but it is a considerable drop back in class and he will be at peak fitness right now.
The odds are getting skinny enough but he is one of the best bets of the afternoon at Caulfield.
Race 7 – 4:25pm – Benchmark 84 Handicap (1400m)
I’ve always had a pretty high opinion of the chestnut mare Neighborhood and I love the fact that she drops back in grade for this run.
Although she hasn’t been placed in three runs so far this prep, she has been far from disgraced in open commpany on each occasion.
The apprentice will help with weight relief and I think she looks really well placed in this particular event.
Race 8 – 5:05pm – Benchmark 84 Handicap (1100m)
Yulong Command was placed at Listed level behind Enthaar two back but ran second to Scorched Earth at Flemington when favourite last start.
Meets that horse 3kgs better at the weights here and has age and experience on his side.
Race 9 – 5:45pm – Benchmark 70 Handicap (1100m)
I thought Sweetzou could run a cheeky race for us in the last at big odds.
The lightly raced four year old mare was a winner over the short course at The Valley two back and was then beaten under two lengths at her next start at the same track and distance.
She will appreciate the step up in distance now at this stage in her prep and she has drawn perfectly in barrier four to get a soft run throughout.
