Craven Plate Tips & Predictions 2026: Best Bets

PLYMOUTH (3) is our top pick with Craven Plate predictions, and he could upset the more-fancied runners.

The Hayes-trained gelding has been competing against quality opposition and looks capable of producing a much stronger performance over 1800m, and having two runs under his belt this preparation means he’s ready to fire.

The step to this distance gives him the chance to soak up the early pressure, which will be set by Lindermann, and he could finish over the top of them.

Zac Lloyd takes the ride from barrier 3, and there isn’t anyone riding more confidently than Lloyd this season, so we’re taking the each-way odds and including him in our picks this Saturday.

LINDERMANN (6) is the obvious danger, and punters know exactly what he’s going to do in the run.

The Chris Waller-trained gelding has been in excellent form this preparation, winning at Randwick over 1600m before finishing second in the Hill Stakes over 1900m. He had every right to win last start when being run down, but it was still a strong performance, and this distance is more suitable.

He’s proven at Group level, handles Randwick well, and has the tactical speed to put himself in the race without relying on luck. We expect Nash Rawiller to judge the speed and give favourite punters a sight.

The $2.40 odds at time of publish have drifted after opening at $2.05, but that’s not too concerning.

KOVALICA (7) is the runner we’re prepared to take a chance on at the odds. The Chris Waller-trained gelding has been below his best recently, finishing fifth in both the Shannon Stakes and the Hill Stakes, but his class gives him a chance to turn things around.

He needs to improve on those efforts. However, the 1800m gives him an opportunity to settle into the race, and he has a good enough finish to give the favourites something to think about in the straight.

He deserves to be paying long odds, but there is often an upset in small betting fields, and Waller could work his magic. He knows how to get horses up for big races, so the current $23 odds could be worth including in Craven Plate tips as a value bet.

Punters get value odds with our Craven Plate SRM, which includes our three selected runners.

• Top 2 – No. 5 Plymouth
• Top 2 – No. 1 Lindermann
• Top 5 – No. 4 Kovalica

We have Plymouth Top 2, Lindermann Top 2, and Kovalica Top 5, which pays $14.50 for our three-runner SRM.

The odds get boosted by including Plymouth as a Top 2 chance, and he should be right around the mark. Kovalica is good enough to run in the Top 5, so he’s another good value option.