Host Matt Stewart is joined by racing experts Adam McGrath & Chris Roots to talk all things Horse Racing this Spring Carnival, from the hottest talking points to their Best Bets and expert tips for every Feature Race. Tune in every week to get your weekly dose of ‘Bolting In’.
Matty Stewart is back alongside Adam McGrath and Chris Roots as the Spring Carnival rolls on with Underwood Stakes Day at Caulfield, where several of the country’s leading middle-distance stars take another crucial step towards the major races of spring. With the Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup picture beginning to take shape, Saturday’s meeting could provide some of the strongest form references we’ve seen so far this season.
The boys dive straight into the Group 1 Underwood Stakes, where in-form gelding Cosmic Crusader looks to continue his outstanding Melbourne campaign. After victories in the Bletchingly Stakes and P.B. Lawrence Stakes, before a strong placing in the Memsie Stakes, he now steps to 1800 metres and meets a quality field featuring Lindermann, Buckaroo, Birdman and Aeliana. The boys discuss whether Cosmic Crusader can make the jump from emerging contender to genuine spring heavyweight, and which of the powerful Chris Waller-trained runners poses the biggest threat.
Attention then turns to the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, where a typically competitive handicap field has assembled over 1400 metres. As one of the premier handicap races of the spring, the race has attracted a mix of established performers and lightly-raced horses on the rise, with several runners looking to secure a valuable Group 1 victory before targeting bigger features later in the carnival. The boys break down the key chances, discuss the impact of the handicap conditions, and identify the runners they believe are best placed to handle one of the toughest assignments of the day.
To finish the show, the boys lock in their Best Bets and value selections for the day. If you’re having a bet on Underwood Stakes Day or looking to get ahead of the biggest Spring Carnival talking points, Bolting In has everything you need for a massive Saturday at Caulfield.