Caulfield - Race 8 3:30pm
No. 1 Fleetwood
Fleetwood has recorded two wins from as many runs back from a break and looks a great chance for the hat-trick this afternoon.
The Encryption gelding was an easy winner at the midweeks up in Sydney last month, and he franked that effort at Randwick last time out, beating home the likes of The Black Cloud.
Fitter third-up, he’s my best bet of the day.
Eagle Farm - Race 8 3:58pm
No. 4 Opal Ridge
Bella Nipotina has been outstanding in Brisbane and is a fitting occupant of the top line of Tattersall’s Tiara betting, but I am eager to take her on with Opal Ridge.
Opal Ridge has been a standout for Luke Pepper since making her debut, picking off many nice races and truly putting the stable on the map.
She was too good for them in the Ortensia Stakes at Scone when resuming this time but was a bit flat in the Moreton Cup a fortnight ago.
All of that being said, a return to mares’ company this week, with further improvement and from a good draw, I think she’ll get her chance.
Caulfield - Race 9 4:05pm
No. 2 Pounding
This is a nice race for Pounding and he steps out this afternoon in peak order.
The Group 1-placed galloper is yet to strike in five runs back from a break, but he has been a noticeable improver at each of his last two and was good behind Cadmus last time out.
He’s in peak order, 2000m is ideal and I don’t think he’ll be offered a better opportunity to win in Saturday metro company.
Caulfield - Race 10 4:40pm
No. 6 Chorlton Lane
Chorlton Lane is a galloper in form, and he looms as the one to beat again in the last at Caulfield today.
Chorlton Lane returned to action to record an easy win over fit gallopers like Extratwo out at Bendigo in April, while he was last seen repeating the dose in another BM84 right here at Caulfield.
He’s been kept up to the mark with a trial since that race and is well placed again.