Form analyst, SCOTT MCDONELL, previews Wednesday’s Caulfield meeting, with horse racing tips and analysis for all 8 races. Good luck, punters!
Track Condition: Good 4
Rail Position: Out 9m entire circuit
The form guide does not suggest DARK REBEL has been racing all that well but his form has been in class races and back in right race going to have something each way on him.
RHINOCEROS jumped to the front and was brave when challenged late at The Valley last start. Looking for him to lead again and he is the one to catch.
DOUCEUR was placed at Hillside two starts back then little plain last start. Looks to be plenty of pace up front here and she is the one to watch final stages.
CHEERFUL MOMENT arrived a stride too late when just missed at Flemington last start. Drawn to get the ideal run in transit and he will be tough to hold out.
Tip: DARK REBEL
Group 1 Queensland Oaks DUAIS comes to Melbourne third-up from spell. Class mare and she will have last crack at leaders and may just be too good for these.
FLOATING ARTIST is racing in super form having won his last three from up on the speed. This looks no harder and he should control. Will take catching from the corner.
ZAYYDANI made good late ground to grab a placing behind Floating Artist at Hillside last start. Comes into this ready third-up from spell and inside draw a bonus.
SECRET BLAZE was strong to the line beating Homesman in Group 3 company at The Valley last start. That form good enough to be a factor in this.
Tip: DUAIS
TOKEN SPIRIT resumes from a spell. Finished last prep in winning form with a couple of city victories. Yet to be placed fresh but thing he is talented and prepared to have something each way.
ALCYONE powered home to get the money at Hillside first-up from spell then backed that up with solid placing behind smart one last start. Ready third-up.
MANKAYAN is an import who is ready to win in Australia. Placed in all three runs this time in and he gets his chance in this field.
KING’S CHARISMA started favourite at Hillside first-up but he looked in need of the run when made good late ground. Sure to be better from the outing and drawn to get perfect run.
Tip: TOKEN SPIRIT
SMOKIN’ ROMANS has been dominant winning his last three in a canter. Drawn to get the perfect run in transit and he can make it four straight.
PESTO was bit disappointing at Mornington last start. That was in Listed company and back in easier race here he can figure.
REFLECT THE STARS finished too well winning in Adelaide last start. Model of consistency and she will measure up to these.
TARAMANSOUR has been impressive on the provincial circuit winning his last three starts. Comes to town and will be right in the mix.
Tip: SMOKIN’ ROMANS
FRANKIE PINOT finished the race off strongly to win at Lakeside two starts back then chased home a smart one when placed last outing. He will get back but has big finish and can win this.
IL AFFARE is a Kiwi mare crossing the Tasman fresh from a spell. She was beaten less than 2 lengths in G1 NZ Derby two back then got going late in the NZ Oaks before break. Class mare and top chance.
GRINZINGER ALLEE is another first-up from break. He has been placed in three of his four first-up tries and must include based on that stat alone.
GOOD AND PROPER comes into this ready third-up from spell. Placed in smart race first-up then was well held last start. Looking for her to bounce back in this.
Tip: FRANKIE PINOT
PROFITEER started favourite in the G1 Moir Stakes first-up from spell but he looked in need of the run when just did not finish the race off. Fitter from perfect barrier he can win this.
PORT LOUIS was working home strongly first-up from spell at The Valley. Fitter and although still a maiden he is class colt and cannot leave him out.
EXTREME WARRIOR went back to maiden class to begin this prep and he demolished them. Can go on from that win and he is up to this.
PROWLING showed sharp turn-of-hoof to win maiden at Cranbourne two starts back then went to The Valley and not at best around tight track. He can bounce back in this.
Tip: PROFITEER
Really liked the way HINGED chased home when beaten less than a length in the G1 Flight Stakes last start. Quality filly who gets chance to go one better in this.
ZOUZARELLA won her first two starts including Listed Atlantic Jewel then she hit the line hard when placed last start. She will get back but has big finish and the one to watch late.
ELUSIVE EXPRESS finished too well and got the prize in the G2 Edward Manifold last start. She was placed in the Prelude two back and can win this.
HERESY deserves a win this prep after three solid placings leading into this. Just missed in the Prelude and that a good guide to this.
Tip: HINGED
Going to finish the program with something each way on HARMONY ROSE. She comes into this ready third-up from spell and last start took on the G1 Epsom Handicap. Back in right race against own sex.
SIRILEO MISS is working through her classes with authority winning both starts leading into this. Keeps measuring up and she will be right in the mix.
BUTTER CHICKEN is another third-up from spell. Not beaten all that far at Flemington first-up then she pulled up lame at The Valley. She can bounce back in this.
ONLY WORDS arguably should have won the G2 Stocks Stakes at The Valley last start when held-up badly. Drawn ideally and she should get her chance.
Tip: HARMONY ROSE
