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It’s the final week before Group 1 racing returns to our screens, and the action is really starting to heat up with a handful of black-type races on offer this Saturday at Caulfield.
The three-year-olds take their place in the Vain and Quezette Stakes early on the program, followed by the main event, the Group 2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes run over 1400m.
The path to the Golden Rose Stakes is firmly in focus at Rosehill with the running of The Rosebud, while we’ve got the usual nine-race program on offer at Doomben.
For best bets and form analysis right around the country, Craig Sheppard, Ryan Cook, and Lucy Henderson have you covered!
Saturday Racing Previews
Craig Sheppard
PEREILLE (3) returns from a short let-up after producing an outstanding effort in the Listed Ramornie Handicap.
The Tony Gollan-trained gelding settled a long way back after drawing wide before charging home once clear to finish second, beaten 1.19 lengths.
Every race he has contested this preparation has been at black-type level, so he should appreciate getting back to Open company.
Jimmy Orman is a positive jockey booking, and the abundance of speed in the race will be to his liking.
| 3. Pereille (5) J: James Orman 59.5kg 63832T: Tony Gollan | |||
| Comes off a 31 day let-up. At the latest run took up a position near the tail 2nd of 15 in the LR Ramornie Handicap at Grafton on July 15 over 1200m, 1.2 len behind Band Of Brothers carrying 55.5kg at $9. Before that 3rd of 13 in the G3 WJ Healy Stakes at Eagle Farm on June 27 over 1200m, slow going 0.6 len behind Yellow Brick carrying 54.5kg at $10. That stakes form will stack up nicely here. | |||
FORMAL (12) never saw daylight last start over this course and distance, going to the line full of running and untested when finishing second last.
The Nathan Doyle-trained gelding had chased strongly in his previous run, closing off to finish third, beaten just over half a length.
He has not won for some time, but he finally gets a senior jockey on for the first time in nine months.
Tyler Schiller can give him a sweet run from the low draw.
| 12. Formal (3) J: Tyler Schiller 55kg 34430T: Nathan Doyle | |||
| Last start ran second last of 13 at this track on August 1 over 1100m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Annie’s Rose carrying 53.5kg at $12. The run before that ran on from midfield; 3rd of 11 at this track on July 4 over 1100m, slow going 0.6 len behind Polyglot carrying 53.5kg at $8.50. Deserves another chance at the good odds. | |||
CLOSER TO FREE (2) returns to the races for the first time since finishing near the tail in the Group 1 Golden Slipper.
The Danny O’Brien-trained colt was excellent before that, winning the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude before putting up a good fight for a close second in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes.
On each occasion he defeated subsequent Golden Slipper winner Guest House.
He’s looked good in two jump outs leading into this and looks ready to produce a bold first-up showing.
| 2. Closer To Free (9) J: Mark Zahra 58kg 120xT: Danny O’brien | |||
| Racing first-up today. Finished off last preparation second last of 16 at Rosehill in the G1 G Slipper March 21 over 1200m, soft track; 8 len behind Guest House with 56.5kg at $8. At his first start won by 1.0 len this track G3 Bd/Prel Cg February 7 over 1100m defeating Guest House carrying 57kg at $13. Classy colt who will be very hard to catch. | |||
RIVERINA LULU (10) produced an outstanding performance on debut when easily putting away a decent field over 1000m at Flemington.
The Grahame Begg-trained filly had been highly touted prior to that run following one of the best jump outs you will ever see by a young horse.
Following her win, she went back to the jump outs where she once again moved stylishly as she charged home to win with something in hand.
She looks a real talent and should race on speed for Jordan Childs.
| 10. Riverina Lulu (11) J: Jordan Childs 56kg 1T: Grahame Begg | |||
| At debut, won tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 1.5 len at Flemington on July 18 over 1000m in soft going defeating Leopard Shark carrying 54kg at $8. Had jumped out like a good one prior and can measure right up. | |||
I feel obliged to tip Desert Lightning for our colleague and Moody & Coleman fan Jared Timms, with the great man enjoying a holiday on the slopes, but when have I ever done something just because of Timmsy?
No, I’ll be with COSMIC CRUSADER (7), who was ultra-impressive when resuming in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes.
In his first Melbourne run, the Andrea Leek-trained gelding flew home from the tail to win by 2.5 lengths in dominant fashion.
He should strip fitter for that and boasts an excellent second-up record, with three wins from four attempts, including last preparation when he brained his rivals by more than eight lengths.
Given 1200m looked well short of his best distance, the rise to 1400m looks ideal.
| 7. Cosmic Crusader (8) J: William Pike 59kg 112×1T: Andrea Leek | |||
| Second-up. First-up after eight months favourite; won by 2.5 len in the G3 Bletchingly Stakes at this track on July 25 over 1200m on a soft track defeating Winnasedge carrying 58.5kg at $3.60. Previously second-up favourite; scored a big 8 len win at Belmont Park on September 20 over 1650m on a soft track defeating Sensessional with 54.5kg at $1.24. The one to beat based on that latest effort. Dominant in Melbourne debut and should only be better at this trip. | |||
BLUE DOOR (6) returns to the races for the first time since winning the Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes on debut.
The Bjorn Baker-trained filly raced outside the lead over this course and distance before finding the line strongly to beat The Next Episode by a head.
She looks ready for a bold first-up showing following a slick trial, where she worked home under her own steam with Gangster Granny.
Rachel King should land on speed and give plenty of cheek.
| 6. Blue Door (4) J: Rachel King 56.5kg 1xT: Bjorn Baker | |||
| Resuming after a break; only one run when won by a head in the G3 Kindergarten Stakes at Randwick on April 4 over 1100m on a soft track defeating The Next Episode with 54.5kg at $4.40. Exciting filly expected to fight out the finish. | |||
Lucy Henderson
ALTHOFF (4) lands a winnable race second-up in Sydney’s penultimate event and there’s still a touch of value for this Waller-trained Written Tycoon gelding.
The classy chestnut chases his first win at the track, and I think he can get the job done after two placings here from six starts.
Resumed on August 1 over 1300m in a BM94, will improve off that and relish the rise to 1400m.
Remains beautifully weighted in on just 52kg from a favourable alley and the booking of Zac Lloyd is a huge tick.
Expected to settle back, he’ll be doing his best work late as he did fresh when making up all the ground coming from a tricky spot early then last on the turn before flashing home in some smart late sectionals to cross a length second to Carbonados.
Speed map and predicted slick tempo from the likes of Fully Lit and Aberlour looks to suit, can win.
| 11. Althoff (4) J: Zac Lloyd 52kg 855×2T: Chris Waller | |||
| Second-up. First-up after four months ran on strongly from last on the turn; 2nd of 11 at this track on August 1 over 1300m, on a slow track; 1.2 len behind Carbonados carrying 52.5kg at $9.50. Previously second-up 4th of 9 at Randwick on December 27 over 1200m, 1.2 len behind Livin’ Thing carrying 55kg at $10. Should get the right tempo to go one better. | |||
Some smart stayers involved in the last on PB Lawrence Stakes Day including JUST FOLK (2) who at $12 at time of publish is worth an each-way play in my books.
Gavin Bedggood’s veteran 10-year-old continues to race well despite his years and comes off back-to-back Listed placings over the winter.
Two back at 20/1 he was a length third to Detonator Jack over the Flemington mile in the Winter Championship with 60kg before a second, albeit well beaten by the flying Midnight Dynamite, at Rosehill on Heavy going in the Winter Challenge.
He carried 59.5kg that day from a wide alley in the mud, will handle another potentially rain-affected track now back in Melbourne without worry and even with the 62kg impost remains a Top 3 hope.
Jamie Mott comes back aboard, drawn well to race on speed again with blinkers keeping him focused.
Can hold for a spot in the money.
| 2. Just Folk (2) J: Jamie Mott 62kg x0932T: Gavin Bedggood | |||
| Recent form sound. Most recently raced on speed throughout when 2nd of 13 in the LR Winter Challenge at Rosehill on July 18 over 1500m, on rain affected going; 3 len behind Midnight Dynamite carrying 59.5kg at $14. The race before that rolled along in front before being edged out 3rd of 13 in the LR VRC Winter Championship Final at Flemington on July 4 over 1600m, on a slow track; 1.1 len behind Detonator Jack carrying 60kg at $15. Drawn well and will take running down. | |||
CLOSER TO FREE (9) resumes in the Vain Stakes and deserves his spot at the top of the markets to kick off what could be a very strong spring for this proven Group 1 performer.
Danny O’Brien’s progressive Street Boss colt runs for the first time since his Golden Slipper flop in Sydney when second last.
From wide out he had excuses going the other way for the first time and overdoing it up front before fading right out.
Look back to his two prior runs in Melbourne to see what this guy really is capable of.
A winning Blue Diamond Prelude debut at big odds over this track and distance defeating subsequent Slipper champ Guest House before losing few admirers when second, under a length off Streisand, in the Group 1 feature.
Has trialled well twice ahead of his first-up run on Saturday finishing in the money in both Flemington jump outs with Mark Zahra, who sticks with him on the weekend, aboard.
Back in Victoria at his pet track, he might be drawn the outside but it’s a small field and he’ll bounce out, cross from the gate and ticks plenty of boxes to go all-the-way.
Don’t think they’ll catch him.
| 2. Closer To Free (9) J: Mark Zahra 58kg 120xT: Danny O’brien | |||
| Racing first-up today. Finished off last preparation second last of 16 at Rosehill in the G1 G Slipper March 21 over 1200m, soft track; 8 len behind Guest House with 56.5kg at $8. At his first start won by 1.0 len this track G3 Bd/Prel Cg February 7 over 1100m defeating Guest House carrying 57kg at $13. Classy colt who will be very hard to catch. | |||
LARA ANTIPOVA (1) looks one of the best value bets for mine on the Caulfield card paying $6.50 at time of publish for her Australian race debut.
Mark Walker’s classy Kiwi expat is undefeated boasting a flawless four-from-four start to her career across the Tasman and I’m happy to tip her to keep that record going taking on the runners down under.
She was enormous at $1.10 last time out at Ellerslie back in early March claiming a nearly two length Group 1 Sistema Stakes win over the six furlongs and continues to answer when called upon.
While she’s obviously going to handle further based on her early Gorup 2 Matamata Breeders (1200m) win by 3.3 lengths on Heavy going, I think fresh she’ll be fine at the 1100m as she’s twice won over the distance.
Her recent Melbourne trials have been full of promise including a winning jump out at Cranbourne earlier this month, which gave Michael Dee a nice little preview to what he’ll be riding on Saturday.
Midfield draw with options, handles the going and the only query is her 59kg topweight which is a bit more than what she’s used to.
Still, she’s the superior filly in this mix class-wise and I’m skeptical to take her on.
| 1. Lara Antipova (8) J: Michael Dee 59kg 1111xT: Mark Walker | |||
| Puts an unbeaten record on the line. Closed last prep favourite; won by 1.75 len in the G1 Sistema Stakes at Ellerslie on March 7 over 1200m defeating Liguria carrying 55kg at $1.10. Unbeaten, G1 winning NZ filly who warrants utmost respect. | |||
COSMIC CRUSADER (8) is deserving favourite in the day’s feature and I’m happy to stick with this flying Perth expat.
The fact the ‘Wizard of the West’ Willie Pike travels across the country to take the mount speaks volumes for mine, and he boasts the fitness edge on a few of the other key players here which I believe will make all the difference.
Was on fire over in Perth during the summer including a career best performance to narrowly win the Group 1 Northerly Stakes over the 1800m.
After a lengthy break he moved stables to join Andrea Leek at Pakenham, and his debut for his new trainer was enormous.
He put away a good field in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes here at Caulfield by a commanding 2.5 lengths, unleashing a powerful late surge off a dawdling tempo to put the race away with authority.
Can go on with it now fitter for the run, proven now at the track, boasting an imposing second-up record (4:3-1-0) and even better suited to the step up to seven furlongs.
Unbeaten on Soft going, burst onto the Melbourne scene last start and looks really hard to knock again here.
| 7. Cosmic Crusader (8) J: William Pike 59kg 112×1T: Andrea Leek | |||
| Second-up. First-up after eight months favourite; won by 2.5 len in the G3 Bletchingly Stakes at this track on July 25 over 1200m on a soft track defeating Winnasedge carrying 58.5kg at $3.60. Previously second-up favourite; scored a big 8 len win at Belmont Park on September 20 over 1650m on a soft track defeating Sensessional with 54.5kg at $1.24. The one to beat based on that latest effort. Dominant in Melbourne debut and should only be better at this trip. | |||
CENTRAL EUROPE (6) is one of the class runners in a deep edition of The Rosebud and looks terrific value for mine to break his maiden status.
Chris Waller’s beautifully bred Frankel colt has all the makings of a star on the rise, and he gets the chance to prove that if he can knock off that first victory this weekend.
He debuted at Randwick in late February narrowly denied by subsequent Group 1 Inglis Sires’ winner and Champagne Stakes runner-up Campione D’italia in the Group 2 Skyline.
That has proven a very strong form line.
Following the Skyline, this guy raced here at Rosehill in the Group 3 Pago Pago finishing third as the beaten favourite a length off Warwoven before being turned out to mature.
Decent in his lead-up trials, he’s got the master J-Mac aboard from a good gate from which he can settle back and finish strong.
No doubt he’ll be best over further, but Waller’s placed him well.
Watch for him late.
| 3. Central Europe (6) J: James McDonald 57.5kg 23xT: Chris Waller | |||
| Resuming. Finished off last campaign third of 9 at this track in the G3 Pago Pago March 14 over 1200m, 1.0 len behind Warwoven with 56.5kg at $2.20. On debut second of 10 at Randwick in the G2 Skyline February 28 over 1200m, soft track; a nose behind Campione D’italia carrying 56.5kg at $11. This is an ideal race to kick off. Talented colt who will be warming up late. | |||
Ryan Cook
COSMIC CRUSADER (7) brings strong appeal with William Pike making the cross-country trip to ride the Peters-owned gelding.
The six-year-old son of Maurice resumed in style a few weeks ago, winning the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes at Caulfield by 2.5 lengths. He settled off the speed early before improving around the turn, then produced a sharp turn of foot to put the race away.
Everything about that performance suggested he would only be better suited stepping out over further second-up. With just 0.5kg more to carry and the option to settle a touch closer from the wider draw, he looks very hard to knock.
| 7. Cosmic Crusader (8) J: William Pike 59kg 112×1T: Andrea Leek | |||
| Second-up. First-up after eight months favourite; won by 2.5 len in the G3 Bletchingly Stakes at this track on July 25 over 1200m on a soft track defeating Winnasedge carrying 58.5kg at $3.60. Previously second-up favourite; scored a big 8 len win at Belmont Park on September 20 over 1650m on a soft track defeating Sensessional with 54.5kg at $1.24. The one to beat based on that latest effort. Dominant in Melbourne debut and should only be better at this trip. | |||
GLASGOW LASS (5) also has a strong case second-up for Matt Laurie with further improvement likely.
She was caught wide and a long way off them over 1200m at Caulfield last start, but still managed to charge home into third, closing strongly behind the winner, Custom.
A more positive ride from Logan Bates would not surprise, and with proven wet-track form plus the claim helping at the weights, she should be right in the finish.
| 5. Glasgow Lass (2) J: Logan Bates 59kg 9x0x3T: Matt Laurie | |||
| Second-up today. Last run 3rd of 10 at this track on July 25 over 1200m, on a slow track; 4 len behind Custom carrying 58kg at $26. At only start last preparation 10th of 14 at this track on May 9 over 1100m, slow going 9 len behind Swift Force with 59kg at $7.50. Nice return and looks a big chance up in trip. | |||
CLOSER TO FREE (2) looks primed to fire first-up judging by his recent jump outs.
The Street Boss colt showed his talent in the autumn when winning the Blue Diamond Prelude by a length over subsequent Golden Slipper winner Guest House, marking himself as a serious juvenile.
Things did not pan out from a wide draw in his grand final, but he has always looked a sharp fresh type. Now back as a more seasoned three-year-old, he appeals as a major player.
| 2. Closer To Free (9) J: Mark Zahra 58kg 120xT: Danny O’brien | |||
| Racing first-up today. Finished off last preparation second last of 16 at Rosehill in the G1 G Slipper March 21 over 1200m, soft track; 8 len behind Guest House with 56.5kg at $8. At his first start won by 1.0 len this track G3 Bd/Prel Cg February 7 over 1100m defeating Guest House carrying 57kg at $13. Classy colt who will be very hard to catch. | |||
RIVERINA LULU (10) looks a talented sprinter and appears over the odds in this market.
Graheme Begg’s filly had to do it the hard way on debut over 100m shorter down the Flemington straight, lifting between runners before quickening impressively to score by 1.5 lengths over Leopard Shark.
She has been given close to a month between runs and looked in terrific order when cruising up out wide to win a recent jump out.
The wide draw does make her map a little tricky, but with her turn of foot, she appeals as a strong each-way play at the current price.
| 10. Riverina Lulu (11) J: Jordan Childs 56kg 1T: Grahame Begg | |||
| At debut, won tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 1.5 len at Flemington on July 18 over 1000m in soft going defeating Leopard Shark carrying 54kg at $8. Had jumped out like a good one prior and can measure right up. | |||
See my best bet above.
| 7. Cosmic Crusader (8) J: William Pike 59kg 112×1T: Andrea Leek | |||
| Second-up. First-up after eight months favourite; won by 2.5 len in the G3 Bletchingly Stakes at this track on July 25 over 1200m on a soft track defeating Winnasedge carrying 58.5kg at $3.60. Previously second-up favourite; scored a big 8 len win at Belmont Park on September 20 over 1650m on a soft track defeating Sensessional with 54.5kg at $1.24. The one to beat based on that latest effort. Dominant in Melbourne debut and should only be better at this trip. | |||
CENTRAL EUROPE (6) resumes for Chris Waller with James McDonald sticking.
This promising colt by Frankel was the beaten favourite in the Group 3 Pago Pago Stakes earlier in the autumn over the 1200m trip, finishing a length third to Warwoven after making up some decent ground in the run home.
Resuming over 1100m is the key to his chances on Saturday on the back of two soft trials leading in.
| 3. Central Europe (6) J: James McDonald 57.5kg 23xT: Chris Waller | |||
| Resuming. Finished off last campaign third of 9 at this track in the G3 Pago Pago March 14 over 1200m, 1.0 len behind Warwoven with 56.5kg at $2.20. On debut second of 10 at Randwick in the G2 Skyline February 28 over 1200m, soft track; a nose behind Campione D’italia carrying 56.5kg at $11. This is an ideal race to kick off. Talented colt who will be warming up late. | |||