CAULFIELD GUINEAS G1

RACE 8 - 1600m

WODETON / VINROCK / WEST OF SWINDON

WODETON couldn't get the job done for Waller in the Slipper, but there was no shame in defeat for the expensive WOOTTON BASSETT colt, only beaten 0.14L by MARHOONA. We imagine Coolmore will want a Group one badly to add to his stocks now Waller has the slick three-year-old in peak condition once again. We know this lad is powerful at the end and WODETON should go much better since his strong 2nd to RAGING FORCE in the San Domenico resuming. Kept chasing for 2nd behind the impressive BIEWACHT last start in the Gr.1 Golden Rose (1400m), so should go close stepping up to the mile with his sustained finish. Chuck JMac aboard and the formula fits nicely.

☆☆☆☆

VINROCK upstaged Sydney’s top colts to claim the value-adding Gr.1 ATC Sires Produce Stakes (1400m) to his perfect record of three from three and has possibly returned with even more potency as a three-year-old. He became the first 2YO since FULL ON ACES in 1981 to capture the VRC-ATC Sires’ Produce double act. A son of I AM INVINCIBLE, Vinrock was passed in at Inglis’ Melbourne Premier Sale and Matt Laurie later secured him for $300,000. After that fine win in April, Laurie put the horse on ice alongside star stablemate TREASURETHE MOMENT in preperation for the spring and the colt went full bore to win the Exford Plate before going lame when 5th in the Stutt Stakes. Can bounce back, although this is a massive challenge.

☆☆☆

The Hawkes-trained WOOTON BASSETT colt WEST OF SWINDON had yet to win in five starts, but he looked above average running close up behind some talented juveniles. Ran on swiftly from the 300m to finish 2nd to NORTH ENGLAND on debut, beating home the eventual Magic Millions winner O'OLE. Stuck to the task and chased hard behind BEIWACHT in the Gr.3 Silver Slipper at Rosehill in what was nice effort. Maintained competitive performance in that race, resulting in the Golden Slipper favourite, WODETON, finishing third. Finally got the job done in the Gr.2 Stutt Stakes and can go on with it now as a more mature boy. Well related and has to be taken seriously, although this gate is rough.

☆☆

MIGHT AND POWER STAKES G1

RACE 6 - 2000m WFA

TREASURETHE MOMENT/ BUCKAROO / GLOBE

The Matt Laurie trained TREASURETHE MOMENT was one of the finest staying three-year-olds we've seen in a while, winning the Armanasco, Kewney, Gr.1 Vinery Stud and Gr.1 ATC Oaks. This was on top of the Wakeful at Flemington in November and then the Gr.1 VRC Oaks. The ALABAMA EXPRESS mare has amassed $2.8M in only 13 starts, winning ten of those and proving just what a champion racehorse she is. Came out and trounced them fresh up in the Gr.1 Memsie (1400m) but was unable to catch PRIDE OF JENNI in the Feehan at the Valley after she streaked away in typical fashion. Destined to win more Group ones this spring as a champion on the rise and this trip should suit better then the mile.

☆☆☆☆

BUCKAROO won the Underwood last year with an ultra impressive victory and was rock solid for 2nd in the 2025 version behind SIR DELIUS, and that horse is extra special. Most importantly, this 2000m trip is getting near his wheelhouse, as the FASTNET ROCK gelding finished 2nd in the Gr.1 Turnbull and Caulfield Cup, so he can stay like the mother-in-law and will be hard fit now. Not so prominent in the Autumn, however resumed with a nice return for a 3rd to VIA SISTINA in the Gr.1 Memsie (1400m) at Caulfield. Like the early $17 on this horse for the Cup, as Waller seems to have him working towards his best possible condition and he should only improve the further he goes.

☆☆☆

GLOBE is batting right ouf of his class here, but with only four runners, why not have a crack at a Group one? It will be fascinating to see how Blake Shinn rides the CHARM SPIRIT gelding in this one, as he will have plenty of time and space to line them up late. Finished 2nd over 1523m to begin this prep and finished runner-up to CHARTERHOUSE over 1800m at Sandown last start, so likely to be at peak fitness. Should be well outclassed but a good horse on his day and will get a pay cheque either way. Although the field size may be considered somewhat modest, this is not entirely unexpected, as has been observed in prior successes such as those of WINX and PROBABEEL.

☆☆

TOORAK HANDICAP G1

RACE 7 - 1600m

EVAPORATE / LEICA LUCY / DAMASK ROSE

The Hayes brothers are poised to maintain their dominance at Caulfield with the high calibre 4YO EVAPORATE. The gelding was slow away in P.B Lawrence at Caulfield, finishing 5th where little went right, then hung tough to defeat TRANSATLANTIC in the Sandown Stakes (1500m) last start. Took out the Gr.2 Carbine Club at Randwick in April and finished a strong 2nd to DAMASK ROSE when crossing the ditch for the NZB Kiwi. The PER INCANTO gelding was in sensational form last spring, winning the Gr.2 Stutt Stakes at Moonee Valley, then kept coming to gain a close 3rd in the Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas. Had no hope when trapped wide without cover in the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m), but that displayed the faith these lads have in their talented galloper. Third up and near full strength for the Toorak.

☆☆☆☆

Last season, the Robbie Patterson's stable showcased LECIA LUCY, an exceptional three-year-old filly who ultimately won the Gr.1 NZ Oaks before joining team Waller in Sydney. The daughter of Grangewilliam Stud-based stallion DERRYN is bred and raced by the Crofskeys from their Sir Percy mare DYNAMITE LUCY and they believe she can become a valuable broodmare with a Group one victory across the Tasman. Tough run for 4th in the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) before a spell, then came from last to finish 4th when resuming in the Gr.2 Let's Elope (1400m) at Flemington a month ago. Could be better be a little more ground, however the mile is within the right range with more work under the belt. Odds on both ex-pat Kiwis are very generous.

☆☆☆

Star New Zealand mare DAMASK ROSE, a winner of the inaugural $3.5M NZB Kiwi (1500m) has the $10M Golden Eagle at Rosehill in November firmly in her sights. The SAVABEEL mare was in stunning form last year, finishing 2nd to VELOCIOUS in the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m), before running 3rd to ALABAMA LASS in the Gr.3 Gold Trail (1200m). 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. Two runs back and the Cranbourne based 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 position in the Toorak.

☆☆

HERBERT POWER STAKES G2

RACE 3 - 2400m

WHISKY ON THE HILL / THE MAP / SMOKIN' ROMANS

WHISKEY ON THE HILL is an underrated stayer who did perform quite well last spring and he does possess some ability over ground. Won over 2000m at Caulfield last Sept, then again over 2400m with a good ride from Ethan Brown. Blocked badly in the Bendigo Cup and never stood a chance before a 3rd over 2800m on Melbourne Cup day. Resumed at Flemington in August, then a fair 5th in the Heatherlie over 1700m here at Caulfield. Rcent victory in the Listed Ansett Classic (2415m) at Mornington, with the UK imported RIBCHESTER gelding demonstrating a strong performance, suggesting a return to optimal condition as the competition intensifies.

☆☆☆☆

THE MAP has experienced a number of fine moments and qualified for the 2024 Melbourne Cup by winning the Andrew Ramsden before failing to gather momentum leading into the two mile showpiece. The 7yo ALPINE EAGLE mare trained by the Clarken/MacGillivray combo at Murray Bridge has only been tried out twice this prep, with the team adopting a strategy of gradual conditioning to optimise her endurance ability. Fully disappointed over 2415m at Mornington last start, but we know she is a rugged stayer capable of digging in deep late in a race. Needs to turn things around, but could surprise off the back of that tough run.

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Never underestimate SMOKIN' ROMANS who is a demon front-runner capable of stretching any field on his day. Won the Gr.3 Queen Elizabeth (2600m) last November after speeding out to a lead before fighting hard for 2nd behind ARAPAHO in the Gr.2 Zipping Classic (2400m) at Caulfield. Sound 3rd in the Listed Mornington Cup in the Autumn before surviving the late swoopers in the Warrnambool Cup (2350m). No good at Moonee Valley resuming before a quality run for 2nd to REVELARE over 2000m at Caulfield, then beaten off in the Gr.1 Underwood (1800m) which was a bit rich. Well suited at this distance and can make a genuine race of it.

☆☆

SCHILLACI STAKES G2

RACE - 1100m

GIGA KICK / ARABIAN SUMMER / NADAL

GIGA KICK jumped the red-hot favourite in the Gr.1 Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville in June, launching a late bid but hampered by a significant deficit (10L) at the 800m mark. Not so good being forced to shift out in the Kingsford Smith at Eagle Farm when last seen and put away for the Autumn. Finished 2nd with a booming effort to BELLA NIPOTINA in the Gr.1 The Everest at Randwick back in October 2024, so there is no knock on his sprinting ability or the condition Clayton Douglas will likely have him in returning to the track. Trialed up efficiently over 1000m at Caulfield recently, so should be quite sharp and ready to go fresh up.

☆☆☆☆

Tony and Calvin McEvoy have a good one in ARABIAN SUMMER and the TOO DARN HOT 4yo mare has offered up some impressive performances in 12 starts, winning five, placed in four. Was Stakes placed twice before delivering a huge kick to win the MM 2YO Classic (1000m) at Ballarat, then was too good at the Gold Coast before running 5th to STORM BOY in the MM Listed Classic. Wasn't seen again until Dec 2024, where he won fresh up. Went 2L clear on the turn and kept going soundly to win the Gr.3 Le Grande Stakes at Caulfield in Feb, then set a huge task when four wide in the Gr.1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) but still fought hard for 5th. Good run for 3rd in the Gr.1 Moir last time out and has since won a Flemington jumpout ahead of WAR MACHINE.

☆☆☆

The lightly raced NADAL from the Ciaron Maher yard is a top sprinter on his day and resumes here off a long break. Finished 3rd to CYLINDER in the Run to the Rose's back in 2023 and a commendable 6th in the Gr.1 Coolmore before a win over 1100m at Caulfield a year ago. 4th in the Welcome Stakes before charging home to defeat REY MAGNERIO and BARAQUIEL in the $1M Meteorite over 1200m at Cranbourne last November, displaying his explosive finish from well back in the field. Just the type to come out and show them all up, but it's been a while and difficult to day just what the XTRAVAGANT gelding may produce after such an extended layoff.

☆☆

PLUME STAKES G3

RACE 10 - 1200m

SHE'S BULLETPROOF / FANCIFY / GUMDROPS

SHE'S BULLETPROOF went fresh into The Heath and found it a bit tough first up, but should strip in excellent condition. Trainer Charlotte Littlefield believes the mare's record at Caulfield - where she was the runner-up in February's G1 Oakleigh Plate behind JIMMYSSTAR - means this presents a more suitable option. Would love a firm track here and Ben Allen said that if he'd pressed the button, that she could have exploded in her most recent jumpouts. You only have to refer to the Gr.3 Bellmaine at Sandown (1200m) victory where the SHOOTING TO WIN mare just went whoosh straight past them with ease. Just a stunning racehorse when on her game.

☆☆☆☆

FANCIFY is a sharp sprinter who can really stretch a field when well primed, and trainer Mick Hickmott typically preps him well forward as a dynamic fresh up performer. The South Australian galloper won the Gr.3 HKJC Stakes (1400m) on Cup day last year, before fighting hard when 2nd to TASHI in the Gr.3 Bellmaine (1200m) at Sandown. Resumed with a fair 2nd at Morphettville, headed at the 100m, but likely to have progressed on well from a big blow. The NIAGARA six-year-old jumps from a nice gate with D. LANE aboard and can smash this out right to the line.

☆☆☆

Best to refer to GUMDROPS run in the Gr.2 Dane Ripper (1100m) at Eagle Farm back in June, where the erratic WRITTEN TYCOON mare gave all for 4th on a firm deck. Changed from the Price/Kent yard to Chris Waller in late 2024 in the hope of reaching her full potential, although she seems a tough nut to crack and has only performed to her optimum on the Valley track when winning the Gr.3 Typhoon Tracy and Crockett Stakes. Ran on well over 1300m at the Gold Coast last start and gets an opportunity here to stand up in Stakes grade.

☆☆

WEEKEND HUSSLER (L)

RACE 5 - 1400m

BENAGIL / ZOU SENSATION / KINTYRE

No knock on this talented MANHATTAN RAIN mare BENAGIL, who was quite impressive in her three-year-old campaign, with a G1 win in the Australasian Oaks at Morphettville. A touch unlucky when 3rd in the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) and finished a fine 2nd to TREASURETHE MOMENT in the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes at Rosehill. This trip may be well short of her best, but a classy mare with Craig Williams aboard and just can't be discounted.

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The ZOUSTAR gelding ZOU SENSATION has been a little underwhelming in the two runs coming off a five week freshen up, but faced some stiff competition in the Gr.1 Sir Rupert Clarke last start. Won back-to-back at Caulfield in June and July, then held together well before going full bore to win at Flemington over 1410m in August. The Corstens/Larkin trained six-year-old has some kinks to his racing style but looks better chasing with some cover. Good inside gate with Ben Allen aboard and seems a worthy contender in this field.

☆☆☆

Always had some time for this Sydney gelding KINTYRE trained by Gary Portelli, and he has taken on some top fields in the past. A super triallist, the son of HALLOWED CROWN won the Gr.3 Packer Plate last year before taking out the Gr.2 Queensland Guineas with a narrow victory. Close up in a number of Stakes races, although he does need a few things to fall his way in the running, but is typically not far off them once winding up. Good draw and capable of surprising 2nd-up.

☆☆

CLUB OF AUSTRALIA PLATE

RACE 2 - 1200m 3YO

PRESTIGE SNITZEL / VIVID SUN / BARARI

Willing to forget PRESTIGE SNITZEL went around last start after being checked at the start and this strong daughter of SNITZEL can make an impact here at massive odds. 4th on debut at Flemington in March, then edged out into 2nd over the last 50m in the Gr.3 Breeders Stakes. Went full bore to draw out the final 100m over 1200m at Mornington and show off her true potential. Trainer Matt Laurie has carefully handled this filly and we could see a marked improvement 2nd-up up. Ok gate, but $35 seems mad for a lightly raced SNITZEL with some genuine ability.

☆☆☆☆

The Moody/Coleman team bring VIVID SUN to Caulfield, and THE AUTUMN SUN filly was unbeaten after two runs. Having gained valuable experience through trials, she secured victory over 1200m at Ballarat on debut in April, and was subsequently sent to the paddock to allow for greater physical development in preperation for her three-year-old campaign. Came back at Sandown at the beginning of the month and was most impressive letting rip down the middle of the track. Her dam RAINBOW SONG is out of champion Japanese sire ZENNO ROY ROY, who won three Group ones, the "Autumn Triple Crown," including the Japan Cup.

☆☆☆

The PRIDE OF DUBAI filly BARARI is another at overs and will have the services of Blake Shinn in this event. This cheaply purchased Ciaron Maher trained filly won strongly on debut at Mildura, before finishing 3rd at Sandown over 1000m. Jumped third on the rails at Moonee Valley last start, but was held up the entire straight and never got a clean shot at them. Hard to say what sort of motor she has based on that, but the stable could have the filly well primed if Shinn can navigate this awkward, wide draw. Certainly doesn't look the worst here.

☆☆

BEST BET: TREASURETHE MOMENT

NEXT BEST: GIGA KICK

BEST VALUE: SHE’S BULLETPROOF

WILDCARD: BENAGIL