Spring Racing is all about the staying handicaps and the Group 1 Caulfield Cup is the first of the big two.
The Caulfield Cup is one of the world’s richest handicap races over a distance of 2400m and an important indicator race leading up to the Melbourne Cup. Horses that run well here often feature prominently when they contest the ‘Race that stops a nation’ on the first Tuesday in November.
This year’s Caulfield Cup looks to be tightly contested with Hawskpur a clear favourite in early betting. The four-year-old from Chris Waller’s stables has strong weight-for-age form leading including a 3 ¼ length win in the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes, three starts back.
Royal Decent decimated the field in the Group 1 Australian Oaks before going for a spell. Return preparations have the filly looking good; a 54kg weight and 2400m should have her in the finish.
Silent Achiever, the 2012 New Zealand Derby winner, has been excellent in three runs back from a spell and gives every indication that she’s ready to produce her best here. Fantastic preparations with 2400m an ideal track, she recently went within a whisker of winning the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes and looking to have come into form.
Damian Oliver is hoping to for a fifth Caulfield Cup win on Jet Away. The import showed he was in top form in the Group One Turnbull Stakes, closing steadily in the straight before being severely hampered near the finish. One not to be overlooked this weekend.
Group 2 Poltrack Gothic StakesA Group 2, 1400m listed race that has shown itself a proving ground for some top names. In 2011 Darley-owned colt Galah won before backing-up in the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes at Flemington a fortnight later. 2012 saw a tight three-way finish with the Mick Price trained colt Al Aneed taking the title.
Current favourite Paximadia, came out strong last start at Flemington leading all the way and continuing through the line. His weight leaves him worse off compared to some of the field however he should get an easy lead from the barrier and continue strong.
Hucklebuck travelled well at Moonee Valley however failed to get up. The extra 200m should put him in good stead and the Caulfield Cup track will favour his run.
Other contenders include Champollion and I Am Titanium, both who have a weight swing on Paximadia and Havana who has firmed in early betting.
Group 2 Perri Cutten Caulfield Sprint This year’s $220,000 Perri Cutten Caulfield Sprint has attracted a stellar field.
Underrated Strategic mare Platelet defeated some of the nation’s best sprinters in last Saturday’s Group 2 Gilgai Stakes at Flemington. During the Adelaide autumn carnival, Platelet showed form winning the Group 1 Goodwood Handicap and Sangster Classic. Even carrying the top-weight of 59kg, Platelet looks hard to beat.
Gilgai Stakes’ runner-up Spirit Of Boom, is looking in form. Plenty of wins but a Group 1 has been elusive. He’s drawn for the perfect midfield with cover run and looking on form for this race.
Others in early betting include Peter Moody’s Ready To Rip and David Hayes-trained Pago Rock who comes off a second to Unpretentious in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes at the track last Saturday.
Luxbet’s Caulfield Cup tip - Silent Achiever2012 New Zealand Derby winner, fantastic preparations with 2400m an ideal track. She recently went within a whisker of winning the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes at this distance.
Luxbet’s Best – Barbed - Sydney R3 No.2The three-year-old recently won the Listed Heritage Stakes and continues form coming in a close second in the Group 2 Roman Conul Stakes to Zoustar.
Luxbet’s Value - Taxmeifyoucan - Caulfield R6 No.10 With a win in the Listed Inglis Guineas and a strong first-up record, this four-year-old has shortened considerably in early betting.
Luxbet’s Lay - Peron- Caulfield R9 No.14 Up against a big field, and could get bottled up in the pack looking for a run. Also was beaten by 2nd favourite Red Tracer in the Group 1 Tatts Tiara in June.?
Luxbet’s Best Backed - Arabian Gold - Caulfield R3 No.2 The daughter of Dubawi, Arabian Gold didn’t go quite measure up Guelph in the Flight Stakes. However she’s has some good preparations leaving her the early favourite.?
