CHAIRMAN'S STAKES G3

RACE 6 - 1000m

JADZIA / BIG SKY / INVINCIBLE SON

OLE KIRK filly JADZIA stamped herself as a serious contender for the Blue Diamond Stakes after an impressive 900-metre trial win at Sandown and the Grahame Begg-trained filly showed a sharp turn of foot under jockey Jordan Childs, putting her firmly on the path to the Group 1. Purchased for $65,000, Jadzia was having her second trial after finishing second in a 650-metre jumpout at Cranbourne in late December. She seems well educated and a smart type, so coming from this sire, speed to burn shouldn't be an issue. Jumps out well then likely to lengthen nicely in the straight.

☆☆☆☆

The BIVOUAC colt BIG SKY from the fine racemare ZOOM BY (Red Dazzler) looks a highly talented Price/Kent Jnr trained juvenile who can continue on his winning ways here. After a gradual build up leading to a jumpout win at Cranbourne in January, the colt debuted down the Flemington straight and soon found the lead by the midway point. Jordan Childs then hit the afterburners where he raced clear at the 200m for an impressive win. Every likelihood the horse arrives here just as sharp and if he handles the bend well then can sprint hard that final bit.

☆☆☆

INVINCIBLE SON trialed four times before debuting in the Magic Millions 2YO (1100m) at Caulfield Heath in December and did well to keep going soundly for 3rd to Gold Coast MM winner UNIT FIVE. The run was much better than it looked after being hampered at the start, then coming five wide when coming around the bend awkwardly. Finished 3rd to GUEST HOUSE in a jumpout at Cranbourne on Monday, so has come up against two standout two-year-olds and will be much sharper this time up.

☆☆

BELLMAINE STAKES G3

RACE 7 - 1200m

AVIATRESS / WROTE TO ARATAKI / DAMASK ROSE

The SMART MISSILE mare AVIATRESS was very good last season, and the five-year-old showed her promise with a solid effort to run away with the Gr.3 Northwood Plume at Caulfield, setting her up perfectly for a step up to elite level. The team then mapped out an ambitious autumn campaign for AVIATRESS, with the Gr.1 Sangster as the key target, although she failed miserably. Did take out the Listed Matrice Stakes (1200m) in SA, and won the Doveton Stakes here in November. Richard Jolly appears pleased with her work off the track, ok the last two and she should strip much fitter. Can really hit her straps on Saturday.

☆☆☆☆

WROTE TO ARATAKI appears to be a strong each-way contender in this classic Group 3 event. Following a brief two-race preparation in the Spring, the WEOTE gelding showed promise in its initial outing behind MAGIC TIME, and its subsequent performance in the Let's Elope can be overlooked due to being wide with no cover. The horse seems to have performed exceptionally well in recent jump-outs, appears to be favorably handicapped, and possesses enough class to feature here.

☆☆☆

Star New Zealand mare DAMASK ROSE, a winner of the inaugural $3.5M NZB Kiwi (1500m) was in stunning form the previous two season. Won the Wentwood Grange 3YO (1200m) at Te Rapa, then defeated TUXEDO in the 2025 Karaka Millions 3YO feature, before a brilliant run to get home ahead of star Aussie EVAPORATE in the Kiwi at Ellerslie. After a few tough runs over here in the spring, the Te Akau mare now has an opportunity to show off her true ability across Tasman. We are optimistic that her performance will align with expectations, especially with a more favourable gate.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 100 HANDICAP

RACE 1 - 2000m

JENNI'S MEADOW / TARVUE / BOLD SOUL

It's difficult to go past the Mark Walker trained stayer JENNI'S MEADOW as the BRUTAL mare reaches peak fitness, and she did chase hard to almost catch a good one in SAINT GEORGE over 2000m at Flemington last start. Tried hard, but outsprinted by that same horse over 2025m at Cranbourne the run prior, so it is hard to find a knock on her current staying condition. Won the Taj Rossi Final at Flemington and twice runner-up at G2, so some fine ability and only has to hold form to be going close here dropping 2kg.

☆☆☆☆

TARVUE from the John Sadler stable appears the main threat also down on a handy 53kg and the TARZINO mare has been very strong her last three. She experienced a significant defeat two weeks ago at Flemington. She transitioned from an 1800m race to a 2500m race within seven days and appeared to be a certain winner when she pulled ahead, but she ultimately tired in the final moments and was overtaken by DICTIONARY. She now has that 2500m race experience and should really appreciate coming back in trip.

☆☆☆

BOLD SOUL is a tough endurance competitior who may need this one to increase fitness levels and does have to carry around a lofty 60kg. Nonetheless, he was very prominent last campaign and loves a good fight. The Paddy Payne trained EMBELLISH gelding was highly impressive in the middle of 2025, running 2nd over 2520m at Flemington, followed by a strong victory there over 2540m. Tackled in the final strides in the Banjo Patterson, but resumed with a solid run over 2000m and appears forward enough to be competitive.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 84 HANDICAP

RACE 10- 1400m

STEALTH OF NIGHT / ZOUPER FUND / HARRY'S YACHT

The Hayes have a ripper galloper in STEALTH OF NIGHT and its difficult to find too may chinks in her armour. This individual is a formidable campaigner for tte Team, and their confidence is exceptionally high following recent victories at Sandown. The most recent win occurred on Boxing Day, where despite facing significant challenges, the NIGHT OF THUNDER mare showed remarkable resilience under pressure to secure the win. This upcoming race presents a considerable test, but she is fully capable of performing well with Craig Williams aboard.

☆☆☆☆☆

ZOUPER FUND returns to the 1100m distance after having competed over 1200m a few weeks prior at Cranbourne. He managed to secure a favourable position during the race and demonstrated considerable effort, though he ultimately lacked the decisive finishing sprint against the unexpected victor, MERIDUS. We expect the five-year-old ZOUSTAR gelding will settle towards the rear, benefit from cover, and ideally initiate a strong late surge. At these tidy odds from an inside and with the 3kg claim we expect a top run from the Ciaron Maher-trained gelding.

☆☆☆

The 60kg does make it hard for HARRY'S YACHT, who has been up a while but has performed with distinction despite a few tough runs. The HARRY ANGEL gelding trained by the Corstens and Will Larkin let rip to win at Bendigo in October, then held up at Ballarat, but the bird had flown. Three wide at Cranbourne and held 3rd before going soundly to win over 1400m at Geelong. Couldn't quite run out the 1600m at Flemington last start, so comes back to the 1400m at Caulfield and can go much better with Jamie Melham in the saddle. Big task ahead, although too good to ignore.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 84 HANDICAP

RACE 8 - 1100m

GALLANT SON / CAPPER THIRTYNINE / SWEETHEARTED

GALLANT SON appears to be a straightforward choice. He is returning after a three-week break, following an impressive first-up victory at Flemington where he led from start to finish and showed commendable resilience under pressure to secure the win. He is expected to lead the race, benefits from a weight reduction, and will be challenging hard late in the piece.

☆☆☆☆

CAPPER THIRTYNINE is a gelding trained by Nick Ryan who is making a return to racing. This will be his first start since November 9th, when he appeared to have had his opportunity in the Ararat Bowl. The VANCOUVER gelding seems to have performed well in his recent jump-outs and is expected to finish strongly, so it would be advisable to observe the market, because his distance record is awesome and he does go ok first up.

☆☆☆

SWEETHEARTED is a really nice type from the Phillip Stokes barn who is bred to go fast and can fire up swiftly that last bit. This BRAVE SMASH gelding was a tad racey first up, but came across heels to win over 1100m at Geelong early in the month. Held up down the Flemington straight, although did well coming between rivals to finish into 6th place with room to move. Will find this a tough assignment, however some trust required in the stable to have thr polish on for this one.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 84 HANDICAP

RACE 4 - 2400m

STYLISH SECRET / DICTIONARY / AMERICAN WOLF

STYLISH SECRET appears to be the prominent contender in this race. We were as optimistic about his prospects last Saturday over 2000m at this venue, but he demonstrated a rather consistent pace when urged for a significant effort, ultimately maintaining his position to finish third but not really pushing on. Likely to perform well over 2400m, as he is in peak physical condition and is favourably handicapped after the claim.

☆☆☆☆

DICTIONARY is a consistent performer and the ALL TOO HARD gelding from the John Moloney yard has a commendable record at Caulfield. His endurance was particularly evident two weeks ago at Flemington, where he finished strongly to overtake TARVUE, despite a run of average performances. The 2400-metre distance here should be suitable for him, and given his current form, he warrants considerable attention.

☆☆☆

It could be worth considering the TIVACI gelding AMERICAN WOLF from the Busuttin/Young stable who crept closer for 3rd over the 2000m at Flemington last start and should improve coming into this. Won the VRC St Leger (2800m) at that Melbourne course in April last year, then settled miles off them in the Gr.1 SA Derby at Morphettville, but did run on strongly. Better with a couple of runs under the belt and a stylish stayer at best up to a more suitable distance. Could be worth keeping safe.

☆☆

BEST BET: STEALTH OF NIGHT

NEXT BEST: GALLANT SON

BEST VALUE: CAPPER THIRTYNINE

WILDCARD: WROTE TO ARATAKI