Group 1 racing is just around the corner, but a Group 1 quality field will step out in Saturday’s PB Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield.
The PB Lawrence always shapes as a key form race ahead of the Melbourne Spring Carnival, and with names like Attrition, Evaporate, Pinstriped and Here To Shock all confirmed in this year’s field, it’s definitely one to keep an eye on again.
I’ve run the rule over that field as well as the other eight races on the program to deliver my complete Caulfield best bets below!
For more on the Caulfield track ahead of the spring majors, also see our Ladbrokes insider The Punters’ Playbook: Caulfield Spring Carnival Deep Dive!
He has drawn horrifically in Barrier 16, but I’m still keen to be with the second up Verdoux in the first on PB Lawrence Stakes Day.
Verdoux struck in BM64 company at Sale back in January and went to the paddock after finishing the runner up in three consecutive races, finding form around some credible opposition.
Having picked up where he left off with a near miss here last month, I love that he has been kept up to the mark with a trial and the booking of Blake Shinn adds further confidence.
Federer has been knocking on the door in recent weeks and gets another chance to win at Caulfield.
The Dundeel gelding has improved with each of four runs back from a break, filling the minors behind Aberlour at Randwick two back before only being denied by an eye-catching Vega Magnifico at HQ a fortnight ago.
He’s another one that is going to have to overcome a wide draw, but he’s also another one who gets the services of recently crowned Scobie Breasley Medallist, Blake Shinn.
I’m eager to stick with Sacred Rocks when she steps out a fit horse on PB Lawrence Day.
Sacred Rocks won each of her first two runs back this time, knocking off some talented opposition in the process, while she hasn’t been far away in two Saturday metro races since.
There’s no doubting her fitness this week, and with the benefit of Luke Cartwright’s claim, I think he’s well placed this week.
Stylish hit the line for a victory fitting of her name at Flemington a fortnight ago.
The Lonhro mare has returned to action arguably in career-best form this time, winning three of five starts, undoubtedly highlighted by her performance to overcome the likes of Terrestar and Ten Deep last time out.
She’s another one that takes her place in peak order on Saturday, and she need only hold her form to be right in the finish again.
We’ll get our first look at several classy three-year-olds targeting races like the Caulfield Guineas when eight step out in the Vain Stakes.
While I can make a case for nearly all of them, Jimmy Recard has a clear fitness edge over many of them, and I am confident he can go on with it.
Jimmy Recard returned to action with a fine effort to win in maiden company up at Gosford in June, while he was last seen winning the Next Gen Sprinters Final at Flemington.
A recent trial performance adds further confidence, while regular hoop Jamie Melham has options in the run from the rails draw.
A few fillies put an unbeaten record on the line in what looks a strong Quezette Stakes field, including Signature Scent.
Signature Scent stamped herself as one to follow by breaking her maiden on debut at Bendigo in June, while she franked that performance with another comfortable victory over this route last month.
Craig Williams rides from a nice draw.
Arkansaw Kid resumes in the Regal Roller Stakes.
He hasn’t been seen at the races since March, but Arkansaw Kid is a multiple winner at this point of his preparation, and he returned to action for a hit-and-run mission when sixth in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap.
He’s turned in some nice trial performances ahead of what looks a suitable campaign launchpad.
The PB Lawrence Stakes always shapes as a key form race ahead of the Melbourne Spring Carnival and we’re set for another glittering edition of the 1400m weight-for-age contest at Caulfield on Saturday.
Evaporate is a horse that I have plenty of time for, and I am confident that he can stamp himself as one to follow through the spring by being crowed the 2025 PB Lawrence Stakes winner.
Evaporate turned in some decent performances last spring, ultimately ending his campaign with a run in the Ladbrokes Cox Plate, while four starts in the autumn were headlined by a near miss in the $3.5 The Kiwi over in New Zealand and a dominant victory in Group 3 company at Randwick.
He has trialled up beautifully and looks to get ideal conditions at Caulfield this week.
Don’t forget to also check out our exclusive The Spring Prospect Watchlist: The Rising Star with Plenty of Gas for more on Evaporate and his spring campaign ahead!
Forgot You is fit and finds himself in a winnable race at Caulfield on Saturday.
It has been a short while since the son of Savabeel saluted, but he has improved noticeably with each run back this time and produced the fastest closing sectional of the day to finish second over the mile here last time out.
With even luck in running, this looks his opportunity to go one better.