Masterful form
G1 Stella Artois Caulfield Cup, $5,000,000, 2400m
Weighing up domestic and international form is the key to the puzzle here and it may be a contender who has both that comes out on top.
Master Of Wine (Ger) (Maxios {GB}) was a winner in England before coming to Australia where he is a Group winner and has run on generously in his last two starts, most recently fifth in the G1 Turnbull S. and this distance looks ideal for him.
Topweight Anthony Van Dyck (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) is a class act and as a G1 English Derby winner is one of the better-credentialled visitors to take aim at the race. If he brings that form he will be hard to roll, even from a wide gate.
Finche (GB) (Frankel {GB}) is well-performed at this level and a sound third in the Turnbull, won by his stablemate Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}). She might prefer a rain-affected track, but her last effort showed she is more than capable on top of the ground.
By contrast, Toffee Tongue (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), who was terrific in the Turnbull, looks a strong lightweight chance with only 51kg on her back.
Buckhurst (Ire) (Australia {GB}) is a genuine Group performer and his ability to race on the pace will be well-served by a reasonable gate while the popular Prince Of Arran (GB) (Shirocco {Ger}) was a last-start third to Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) and a form line to respect.
Chapada (Bullet Train {GB}) won the G3 Herbert Power in style and with only 50.5kg can’t be dismissed and Warning (Declaration Of War {USA}) should be much more competitive at this trip. He looks a decent each way prospect.
Alfa the one
G2 McCafe Caulfield Sprint, $300,000, 1000m
Alfa Oro (NZ) (Bachelor Duke {USA}) was withdrawn from his engagement a week ago to target this race and that may prove a winning move. He has been impressive coming through the grades and Group success looks well within his capabilities.
Garner (Barbados) has won four times over this trip, including one on the course last season, and he promises a bold showing from the inside alley.
Fabergino (pink silks)
Fabergino (Maschino) was less than 6l off the winner in the G1 Moir S. so should find this easier going while the capable Graff (Star Witness) is making his first start for Danny O’Brien and often a change of environment can spark a return to top form.
Shamino (Shamus Award) has an excellent winning strike rate and was a sound second when resuming and has won second-up in the past. Vainstream (Bel Esprit) is racing well and no surprise to see him go close again.
Felicia fancied
G2 Schweppes Tristarc S., $300,000, 1400m
Felicia (Unencumbered) is in career best form with a victory in the G3 How Now S. and she then finished runner-up in the G3 Northwood Plume S. If she handles the back-up, she can go close.
Pretty Brazen (Brazen Beau) is racing well, as evidence by her placing in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke S., and looks well enough placed here to give another strong account of herself.
Felicia
She Shao Fly (Epaulette) is ultra-consistent and hard to ignore for multiples while Perfect Jewel (Redoute’s Choice) made steady ground in the G2 Blazer S. off a wide gate and will jump from a much better barrier.
Madam Rouge (Zoustar) was fourth in the Blazer and while she appeared to have had every chance, it’s hard to drop her on that effort. Rich Hips (Written Tycoon) is a progressive mare and thoroughly deserves a crack at black-type following a last-start course and distance victory.
Distance ideal
G3 Neds Classic, $250,000, 2000m
Albarado (NZ) (Savabeel) made ground well for third in the Listed Super Impose S. and the jump to a middle distance can see the colt back in the winner’s circle.
Celestial Sol (Fighting Sun) is more seasoned than most and will get a cosy run from the inside gate.
Redwood Shadow (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) has made a bright start to his career and followed up a debut third with a strong win over a mile at Ballarat. He looks open to further improvement as does fellow last-start winner Cetshwayo (Dundeel {NZ}).
Trodaire (Akeed Mofeed {GB}) was runner-up last time out at The Valley and El Santo (Press Statement) was third in that race. They both look likely place contenders at worst again.
Albarado
Major success beckons
G3 Lexus Ethereal S., $200,000, 2000m
Starelle (More Than Ready {USA}) has yet to win a race and she looks to have a gilt-edged opportunity to put that right here following her last-start second in the G2 Edward Manifold S.
Chica Fuerte (Hinchinbrook) continued her consistent line of form when third in that event and is a player again while Succeed Indeed (Akeed Mofeed {GB}) was fourth and is another who should appreciate the extra distance.
Pensato (Lonhro) beat Salto’s Angel (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) at Flemington and they both have prospects in what is an open line-up.
The barnmates Star Of Eden (Wandjina) and Yatton (NZ) (Savabeel) are lightly-tried maidens and performed well at their last appearances and Selfless (Redoute’s Choice) was unplaced in the Edward Manifold, but was a smart debut winner and worth another chance.
Nat-trick on cards
G3 Neds Moonga S., $200,000 1400m
Windstorm (Redoute’s Choice) has thrived during his Victorian campaign with consecutive course and distance victories to his credit. He’s up in grade, but is fancied to complete a hat-trick of victories.
Fifty Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) was unplaced when resuming in the G2 Gilgai, but he is a two-time winner with a run under his belt and has three wins to his credit at 1400 metres.
Wild Planet (Animal Kingdom {USA}) was unplaced but far from disgraced in the G1 Epsom H. and promises to be competitive in this.
Streets Of Avalon (Magnus) and Begood Toya Mother (Myboycharlie {Ire}) were below par at their last starts and would need to show improvement. Best Of Days (GB) (Azamour {Ire}) might be a better chance following an encouraging third to open his spring campaign.
Windstorm
