Moment Of Change ($2.40), favourite for this Saturday’s Group 1 Orr Stakes at Caulfield, is returning to the course and distance of his most recent win, 2012’s Rupert Clarke Stakes. Since that victory, Moment Of Change has contested ten race, all at Group 1 or 2 level and registered six minor placings during that time. Should he be bloused again, it will likely come from one of the two 3yos entered in the race. Cox Plate winner Shamus Award and the promising Eurozone, are $3.30 and $6.50 respectively in the betting and will be looking to emulate All Too Hard who as a 3yo, won this race last year.
Special Offer: $250 FREE BET – Sportsbet
Special Offer 2: $250 FREE BET – Ladbrokes
Special Offer 3: $500 FREE BET – Luxbet
1. PLAYING GOD – S Parnham (4) 59kgs
The Western Australian contested each of his home-state’s feature races over the summer, winning the G3 Northerly Stakes (1400m) and finishing close up in races such as The Railway Stakes and Kingston Town Classic. His last start came in the C. B. Cox (2100m) in the week before Christmas, where he finished 4 ¼ lengths behind Ihtsahym. He ran third in this race back in 2012 off a similar break as a $61 chance behind Black Caviar and Southern Speed. Has been getting back in his runs but may look for a handier spot from a good draw.
2. FORETELLER – C Newitt (2) 59kgs
He resumes here of a thirteen week spell and after having put together another strong preparation over the spring. Among his six starts during the spring, he won the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), ran second to Atlantic Jewel in the Caulfield Stakes (2000m) and finished well for fourth in the W. S. Cox Plate (2040m). He wasn’t asked to do much in his one trial he has had for his return and made good ground from well back in the G2 Warwick Stakes (1400m) first up last prep when eighth behind Veyron and Streama. Will get back and be doing his best work late but better suited at or over a mile.
3. MOMENT OF CHANGE – L Nolen (7) 59kgs
He finished behind Buffering in three consecutive Group 1 races during the spring – Manikato (4th), VRC Sprint (3rd) and Winterbottom Stakes (2nd) before a brief let-up of nine weeks. There was no Buffering in the Australia Stakes a fortnight ago when he made his return to racing and was therefore sent out a short priced favourite for the G2 race. He hit the lead turning for home despite having been posted three wide from the a poor gate and led until virtually the last stride where the fast finishing Richie’s Vibe collared him. Again he has drawn wide but will cross over but the tempo of the 1400m and with most of the field resuming, he should find the lead or a prominent position without too many troubles. Will be left with no excuses.
4. HAWSPUR – M Walker (1) 59kgs
After a very successful Brisbane carnival, the 4yo returned in the spring and at his second start back, produced a strong effort to win the WFA G2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m). Although he didn’t place in four subsequent starts, he finished close up in G1 George Main, Turnball Stakes and Caulfield Cup. The son of Purrealist had a very busy year in 2013 and the break after contesting the Melbourne Cup will have served him well. Another who would not surprise if he were to produce a big run fresh and he may be able to secure a sneaky run from the inside gate.
5. SERTORIUS – R Maloney (3) 59kgs
He capped of his spring campaign with a well deserved win in the WFA G2 Zipping Classic (2400m), two starts after he claimed the Bendigo Cup. Whilst the 6yo’s biggest wins have come over distances, he can produce a cheeky run fresh as indicated by his second placing in the G3 Victoria Hcp (1400m) and his close up sixth in the G3 Bobbie Lewis (1200m) behind Speediness last spring. This is a tougher race again and unlike the previous fresh runs he has had, run under WFA conditions. He’ll likely need this hit-out and further than a mile.
6. FINISHING CARD – (5) 59kgs
From a wide gate he got back and closed well in a RST 90 (1400m) race two starts back, finishing 1 ¾ behind Decircles. Trainer Clint McDonald then entered the 7yo in the Listed John Dillon Stakes (1400m) where he was sent out a 16/1 chance. Drawing a much better gate, Finishing Card was able to camp on the speed, an advantage on the day, and chased leader and favourite Limes tenaciously in the run home, claiming him on the line to win by a narrow margin. Steps up in class again and the set weight conditions is also a new challenge.
7. SHAMUS AWARD – C Williams (8) 55.5kgs
Broke his maiden status in the most extraordinary way by leading all the way to claim last year’s WFA G1 Cox Plate. The Danny O’Brien colt has always shown good ability and before his Cox Plate run, ran third in the Caulfield Guineas and second in the Bill Stutt Stakes. He’ll no doubt take up a forward spot here and make sure he utilises his weight advantage against the older horses, many of whom will be better suited over a touch further.
8. EUROZONE – D Oliver (6) 55.5kgs
Winner of four of his six starts, including the Listed The Rosebud (1200m) and his most recent start, last September’s G2 Stan Fox Stakes (1400m), a lot is expected of him this prep as he returns a fully matured 3yo. Boasts a win over Bull Point at his second start and appreciates any sting out of the ground will be to his favour. Has plenty of promise about him and although he’ll be better again for having this run, has the class and the weight advantage required to win first up.
RACE OVERVIEW
Moment of Change and Shamus Award will roll forward from their gates with Eurozone, Finishing Card and Playing God handy. Moment of Change should be left with no excuses here. He either leads or sits handy to the speed – a distinct advantage at Caulfield in recent weeks, and with the fitness edge on his side, never gets a better chance to register his sixth career win. The two three year olds present the danger. Back from a spell, would expect for them to have improved again. Both should take up a good spot in the run and the 3kg weight advantage could prove vital late. Waller’s pairing of Foreteller and Hawkspur capable of running good races fresh. Foreteller will need a genuine pace whilst Hawkspur, who got well out of his ground first up last prep, may be able to obtain a sneaky run from the inside draw. Now or never for Moment Of Change.
MOBILE USERS (Quick and easy sign-up)
Special Offer: $250 SPORTSBET FREE BET
Special Offer 2: $300 SPORTINGBET FREE BET
- MOMENT OF CHANGE
- SHAMUS AWARD
- EUROZONE
- HAWKSPUR
All odds are subject to change. Odds listed are correct at the time of the latest update.
