There’s still a couple of weeks of Summer remaining but I’m declaring the Autumn Racing season officially underway from now!
The Group 1 CF Orr Stakes is the feature at Caulfield and is often a great form reference for the remainder of the carnival.
While in Sydney, reigning Horse Of The Year Verry Elleegant resumes in the Group 2 Apollo at Royal Randwick.
It’s been a mixed bag weather wise in Sydney, click here for the latest on the Randwick track.
Let’s try and find some winners from our TRL trainers for the weekend.
PRICE IS THUNDERSTRUCK
Not a vintage edition of the CF Orr but still a good field assembled at Caulfield, for trivia buffs the Orr was Black Caviar’s only win over 1400 meters.
Mick Price and Michael Kent Junior have a very good horse in I’m Thunderstruck (Race 8) that will be extremely hard to beat. He was terrific winning the Rupert Clarke fresh in the Spring and at $6 with Sportsbet is a good play.
Champion jockey Jamie Kah takes the ride on Mahrez (Race 2). He won on debut back in September and was hitting the line strongly last start.
BET: Mahrez – Each Way (Caulfield Race 2)
BET: I’m Thunderstruck – Each Way (Caulfield Race 8)
MAHER WILL BE COUNTING THE HEADLIGHTS
Vic Husslers owners will be watching Counttheheadlights (Race 3) extremely closely in the Blue Diamond Prelude for the boys.
Their very own Eureka Storm crossed the line locked together with Counttheheadlights in a barrier trial before “Eureka” went to the paddock and Counttheheadlights won impressively on debut.
One of the most interesting runners of the day is Normandy Bridge (Race 6) for Maher and Eustace. A French Group 3 winner as a 2yo Normandy Bridge is one to watch.
BET: Counttheheadlights – Each Way (Caulfield Race 3)
BET: Normandy Bridge – Each Way (Caulfield Race 6)
HAYES HITS THE FUNDRAISER TRAIL
Sitting third on the Victorian Trainers Premiership gives you an idea that it’s been a productive season for Ben and JD Hayes.
I reckon they can get the cash in the first with Fundraiser ($6 with Sportsbet) who chased home a hot speed and track record time last time out.
BET: Fundraiser – Each Way (Caulfield Race 1)
GAI WATERHOUSE ASSAULT
The best backed runner at Randwick this Saturday has been the Gai Waterhouse trained Rise Of The Masses (Race 1) firming from $16 on Sportsbet into $10.
This Russian Revolution colt goes great, has won his only start and showed plenty of courage on that occasion.
Speaking of “ticker” Embracer (Race 6) has plenty of that. It’s also been well supported in early markets Sportsbet $13, is coming off a good trial and has great fresh form at big odds.
BET: Rise Of The Masses – Each Way (Randwick Race 1)
BET: Embracer – Each Way (Randwick Race 6)
FOR CAVANOUGH IT’S ALL ABOUT “Me”
Brett Cavanough will be a touch nervous come the return of It’s Me (Race 9) not that he would ever admit to it.
It’s Me has immense talent, is undefeated after four starts including winning the Country Championship final in the Spring of 2020. She’s resuming off an injury enforced spell but if right should be winning.
BET: It’s Me – Each Way (Randwick Race 9)
HEATHCOTE’S NEED FOR SPEED
Qld Rogues’ trainer Rob Heathcote good form looks set to continue at Doomben.
Warp Speed (Race 1) should keep the good run going, he had no luck last start but from barrier four should get a good run and be tough to hold out.
Capri Of Tuffy (Race 5) has been well backed on Sportsbet firming from $8.50 to $7, he’s won his last three and there’s no reason he won’t win again.
BET: Warp Speed – Each Way (Doomben Race 1)
BET: Capri Of Tuffy – Each Way (Doomben Race 5)
GOLLAN TURNS TO GIRL POWER
The Gollan machine looks set to roll on at Doomben courtesy of two girls.
Melisma (Race 6) is a newcomer to the Gollan stable, she delivered at it’s first start winning at the Sunshine Coast. This is a similar grade and looks well placed to win again.
Self Indulgent (Race 7) is a $4 chance at Sportsbet and has to overcome a tricky barrier 10. Jockey Sam Collett is in great form and with an ounce of luck she will make it another win at Doomben.
BET: Melisma – Each Way (Doomben Race 6)
BET: Self Indulgent – Each Way (Doomben Race 7)
Good luck and good punting.
Terry Kennedy