Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
The Caulfield Guineas, first run and won in 1881 by Wheatear (Epigram {GB}), has grown in its 141-year history to become one of the most essential and fundamental races on the Australasia calendar.
On Saturday, 13 colts and two geldings will do battle to cement their name on the illustrious honor roll that includes so many greats of the Australasian turf.
On the eve of the great race The Thoroughbred Report will preview the field.
No.1 - Militarize (NZ)
3-year-old colt, Dundeel (NZ) x Amerindia (GB) (Dubawi {Ire})
Trainer: Chris Waller
Jockey: Joao Moreira
Barrier: 12
Breeder: GSA Bloodstock
Owners: Newgate Bloodstock, China Horse Club Racing Pty Ltd, Trilogy, Newgate S F, Horse Ventures, Go Bloodstock Australia, Grant Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Carpe Diem, Aston Bloodstock, Nick Vass Bloodstock, G1G Colts & Breeding Pty Ltd, Aristia Park Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Arrowfield Pastoral Pty Ltd
Sale information: China Horse Club, Newgate Bloodstock and Trilogy Racing paid $550,000 for the colt from the draft of Bhima Thoroughbreds from the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
One of the leading lights of his generation and one of most exciting colts in training, Militarize will look to add the G1 Caulfield Guineas to his CV that includes elite-level victories in the Golden Rose, Sires’ Produce S. and the Champagne S.
He is the second foal from the Dubawi (Ire) mare Amerindia (GB). She is closely related to Yulong’s shuttler, Lucky Vega (Ire), a victor of the G1 Phoenix S.
This is also the family of the recent G1 Canadian International winner Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}).
Militarize (NZ) | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
No.2 - Little Brose
3-year-old colt, Per Incanto (USA) x Mohegan Sky (USA) (Straight Man {USA})
Trainers: Ben, Will and JD Hayes
Jockey: Damien Oliver
Barrier: 10
Breeders: D Wallace
Owners: Mr W P P Young
Sale Information: A $200,000 purchase by Lindsay Park Racing from the Sledmere Stud draft at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
The G1 Blue Diamond victor will be out to recapture his best form in Saturday’s Guineas. Little Brose was recently unplaced in the G3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude over 1400 metres. Saturday will serve as the first time the son of Per Incanto (USA) attempts to win at the mile journey.
Little Brose’s dam, Mohegan Sky (USA) was a speedy runner winning five times over 1200 metres, including the Listed Music Prince S.
However, her first foal and half-sister to Little Brose, Porotene Diva (Lonhro) won from 1500 to 2100 metres.
Furthermore, the colt hails from the family of the G2 Thousand Guineas Prelude victress Miss Gunpowder (Pendragon {NZ}).
Little Brose | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
No.3 - King Colorado
3-year-old colt, Kingman (GB) x More Aspen (USA) (More Than Ready {USA})
Trainers: Ciaron Maher and David Eustace
Jockey: Michael Dee
Barrier: 8
Breeders: Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum
Owners: Stable Of Stars/WEI Partnership 2, Sheikh M B K Al Maktoum, Mr J H Scaresbrook, Mr J W Schumacher, Mr B C Stubbs, Mrs H A Evans, Mr G C Waters
Sale Information: Not offered at public auction.
King Colorado will look to give Stable Of Stars more thrills on the racetrack in Saturday’s Caulfield Guineas. The royally bred son of Kingman (GB) claimed the G1 JJ Atkins in the Brisbane winter.
A last start seventh in the G1 Golden Rose, a step-up to the mile should suit King Colorado.
His dam More Aspen (USA), a daughter of More Than Ready (USA), was a dual winner up to 1800 metres, winning the Listed Singspiel S.
She is the granddaughter of the outstanding G1 Gamely H. winner Northern Aspen (USA) (Northern Dancer {Can}).
King Colorado | Image courtesy of Michael McInally
No.4 - Steparty
3-year-old colt, Artie Schiller (USA) x Watch Your Step (Sepoy)
Trainer: Paul Preusker
Jockey: John Allen
Barrier: 7
Breeders: Greg Baldwin
Owners: Mr G J Baldwin, Mr D M Drum, Mr D A Russ, Snow Road Thoroughbreds, Mr V J Nally, Mr P A Hetherington, Mr B J Nally, Mr A Cassidy, Mr G A McLaren, Mr P G Walsh, Mr B N Bannerman, Mr R W McIntosh, Miss T Weir, Swan Hill Gang, Ben Gee Racing, Mr M L Telford, Ms E L Telford, Dr P R Knight, Ms G L Wellard, Mr B J Morris
Sale Information: Not offered for sale at public auction.
He has been indomitable in five starts to date. Steparty has thus far always found a way to deny his opposition. On Saturday, the son of Artie Schiller (USA) faces his biggest test in the Caulfield Guineas, can he overcome adversity once again?
The Paul Presuker-trained colt was tough in winning the G3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude and before that the Listed McKenzie S.
Steparty will be trying the mile for the first time, although his sire did win the G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile in an outstanding career.
The colt’s dam, the unraced Sepoy mare Watch Your Step, is the dam of the Group 3-placed Scissor Step (Toronado {Ire}). However, this is the family of Zapurple (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) whose prominent asset was her stamina when she scored the G3 South Australia Fillies Classic.
Steparty | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
No.5 - Veight
3-year-old colt, Grunt (NZ) x Neena Rock (Fastnet Rock)
Trainers: Tony and Calvin McEvoy
Jockey: Damian Lane
Barrier: 1
Breeders: Yulong
Owners: Pipeliner Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Mr R J Pawsey, Mr T J Kirkwood, Sledmere Stud, Mr J K Mackay, Telemon Stud, Mr A J Parrish, Mr R Shelley, Mr M Twycross
Sale Information: Initially a $100,000 purchase by Sledmere Stud and Cangon from the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Weanling Sale when offered by Yulong. Sledmere reoffered the colt at the 2022 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, where McEvoy Mitchell Racing and Belmont Bloodstock Agency (FBAA) paid $220,000.
What a result it would be for Yulong’s second-season sire Grunt (NZ) if Veight can be victorious in the Caulfield Guineas.
The strapping colt was brilliant when scoring the G3 McNeil S. first-up before finishing fifth in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude last start.
Veight is the fourth foal from the Fastnet Rock mare Neena Rock. She won twice at the Group 3 level in Angst Quality H. and the Cuddle S.
Veight | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
No.6 - Griff
3-year-old colt, Trapeze Artist x Chateau Griffo (Sebring)
Trainers: Ciaron Maher and David Eustace
Jockey: Ben Melham
Barrier: 15
Breeders: Widden Stud and A Goonan
Owners: Mr S Griffiths
Sale Information: Purchased for $80,000 by Kavanagh Racing Stables when offered by Widden Stud at the 2022 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.
The second of the Maher and Eustace runners, Griff became his second-season sire Trapeze Artist’s first stakes winner when taking out the Listed Exford Plate at Flemington in September and then followed that up with a victory in the G2 Stutt S. at Moonee Valley. He will now look to become his sire's first Group 1 winner in the Caulfield Guineas on Saturday.
A Widden Stud product through and through, his dam Chateau Griffo is a daughter of the late Sebring.
She was placed in the G3 Blue Diamond Preview (Fillies).
Griff’s fifth dam, Western Music (NZ) (Western Symphony {USA}), won the Listed Maribyrnong Trial S. and is a half-sister to the Group 3 winner Rhythm (NZ) (Bakharoff {USA}).
Griff | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
No.7 - Scheelite
3-year-old colt, Real Steel (Jpn) x Miss St Tropez (Magnus)
Trainers: Ken and Kasey Keys
Jockey: Mark Zahra
Barrier: 13
Breeders: Arrowfield Pastoral
Owners: Mrs L A Keys, Mr K M Keys, Mrs D Sventek, Mr B Sventek, Mr P J Heffernan, Mr J Sharrock, Mr G March, Mrs D A Brand, Mr A M Smith, Mr C K A Parkinson
Sale Information: Ken Keys paid $80,000 for the colt from the draft of Collingrove Stud at the 2022 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale.
Scheelite, a son of the former Arrowfield Stud shuttler Real Steel (Jpn), will have to overcome a less-than-desirable racing pattern of getting back and running on to win Saturday’s Group 1 classic.
Scheelite has stood out among the second-season sire Real Steel’s Southern Hemisphere crop. Real Steel, a son of Deep Impact (Jpn) won the G1 Dubai Turf and the G2 Mainichi Okan.
Scheelite’s dam is the well-related Magnus mare, Miss St Tropez. She is a half-sister to the multiple Group 2 winner Don’t Doubt Mamma (Not A Single Doubt).
Furthermore, the colt hails from the famed family of More Joyous (NZ) (More Than Ready {USA}).
Scheelite | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
No.8 - Scentify
3-year-old colt, Justify (USA) x Fine Scent (All Too Hard)
Trainers: Ciaron Maher and David Eustace
Jockey: Ben Allen
Barrier: 5
Breeders: Watership Down Stud Australia
Owners: Mr C Bennett, Flying Start Fine Scent, Mr K G Thwaites, Mr M D Bourke, Mr J F Farmer, Mr C G Grabczewski, Mrs K Bennett, Mr P M Kerin, Semi-Pro Racing, Mr G Badke, Mr S D O'Brien, Mr T J Makins, Mr M A Jaffrey, Evans Racing Group, Mr C A Bretherton, Mr R Stevenson, Mr K J Stevenson, Rak 'Em Up Racing
Sale information: Initially purchased for $145,000 by Binalong Bloodstock from the Yarraman Park draft at the 2021 Inglis Australian Weanling Sale. Newgate Farm reoffered the colt at the 2022 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, where Ciaron Maher Bloodstock, Flying Start Syndications and Pinhook Bloodstock (FBAA) paid $125,000.
Scentify will be out to provide his second-season sire and Australia’s Champion First Season Sire, Justify (USA), with his first Group 1 winner in the Southern Hemisphere.
The colt has been a consistent commodity in his short career, winning twice and placing in the Listed McKenzie S. and the G3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude in his last two starts.
Scentify is the first foal from his dam Fine Scent, a daughter of the 2012 Caulfield Guineas hero - All Too Hard. She was placed at Listed level and hails from the family of the G1 Golden Slipper heroine, Polar Success (Success Express {USA}).
Scentify | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
No.9 - Southport Tycoon
3-year-old colt, Written Tycoon x Ready To Rule (USA) (More Than Ready {USA})
Trainers: Ciaron Maher and David Eustace
Jockey: Harry Coffey
Barrier: 4
Breeders: Daandine Pastoral
Owners: Bennett Racing Pty Ltd, Mr R Menchise, Gaire Pty Ltd, McEnnis Racing Pty Ltd, Mr M V Broadhead, Mr M Ellis, Mr J G Falcke, Mrs D Broadhead, Walnickiglider, Mr B J Molloy, Mr B Woonton, Bennett Ready to Rule
Sale Information: Offered by his breeder, Daandine Stud, at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Southport Tycoon attracted the eye of Nathan Bennett’s Bennett Racing, with the syndicator paying $300,000 to secure the colt.
The untapped Southport Tycoon became his Yulong-based Champion Sire Written Tycoon’s latest stakes performer when second in the G3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (Colts ang Geldings); the colt will look to go one better on Saturday.
Southport Tycoon is the fourth foal from the More Than Ready (USA) mare Ready To Rule (USA). She is a full sister to Grace And Power (USA), a Listed winner, who was placed in the G1 Starlet S.
Grace And Power is the dam of Delectation (Shamardal {USA}), who won the G1 Darley Classic in Australia.
Furthermore, Southport Tycoon descends from the family of the recently retired Artorius, a Blue Diamond and Canterbury S. winner who was placed in the Caulfield Guineas.
Southport Tycoon | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
No.10 - Wolfy (NZ)
3-year-old colt, Tivaci x She’s Popular (NZ) (Savabeel)
Trainer: Nick Ryan
Jockey: Blake Shinn
Barrier: 11
Breeders: Waikato Stud
Owners: Mrs J Love, Mr D T Coleman, Mr C E Coleman, Mr D Kavanagh, Mr M McKelvie, Mr G A McLaren, Mr R Meadows, Mr S C Nankervis, Mr R L Clancy, Mr S C Newland, The Collective, Mr M D Russell, Mr P Smith, Mr R Smykowsky, Mr E B Tenberge, Mr J R Vawdrey, Mr P G Walsh, Mrs S E Wescott, Mr B A Wescott, Mr P A Mitchell
Sale Information: Nick Ryan Racing paid $280,000 to secure this colt from the draft of Sledmere Stud at the 2022 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
It will be a momentous Saturday for Waikato Stud if I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel) and Wolfy (NZ) prevail in The Everest and the G1 Caulfield Guineas, respectively.
The son of Tivaci comes into Saturday’s event, having won his last two starts at Sale and Flemington.
The colt is the second foal from the Savabeel mare She’s Popular (NZ). A dual winner from 1100 to 1400 metres, She’s Popular is closely related to the late Sacred Falls (NZ), a winner of the G1 Doncaster H. twice alongside victories in the G1 George Main S. and the New Zealand 2000 Guineas.
Wolfy (NZ) | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
No.11 - Verdad
3-year-old gelding, Justify (USA) x Whistle Baby (Magnus)
Trainers: Robbie Griffiths and Mathew de Kock
Jockey: Beau Mertens
Barrier: 14
Breeders: Merricks Station
Owners: Mrs S G Griffiths, Mr T S G Brown, Ms S Gnanalingam, Princeton Thoroughbred Stud, Mrs K J Pearce, Mr C Macek, Mr D A Kercher, Mr C Cowley, Mr A J Lalor, Mr W P Enright, Mr D Shirley, Mr R D Griffiths, Thin String Racing
Sale Information: Merricks Station offered Verdad at the 2022 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, where T Nolen paid $65,000. Nolen Racing reoffered the son of Justify at the 2022 Inglis Ready2Race Sale, catching the eye of Griffiths de Kock Racing and Peter Ford Thoroughbreds (FBAA), who paid $150,000.
The first gelding in the G1 Caulfield Guineas field, Verdad, is another representative of his Champion First Season Sire, Justify.
The gelding is the third foal from the Magnus mare Whistle Baby. She won seven races up to 1400 metres and was placed in the G3 Frances Tressady S.
Verdad is from the family of the G3 Hong Kong Jockey Club S. victress Scarlet Billows (Street Boss {USA}).
Verdad | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
No.12 - Rock Empire
3-year-old colt, Deep Field x King’s Ballet (NZ) (Danehill Dancer {Ire})
Trainers: Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott
Jockey: Tim Clark
Barrier: 3
Breeders: Empire Racing
Owners: Ms K M Patterson, Mr J K Patterson, Ms M Patterson
Sale Information: Rock Empire was not offered for sale at public auction.
Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott will look to continue their excellent season with Rock Empire in the G1 Caulfield Guineas. The son of the recently pensioned Deep Field will line up for start three on Saturday.
He is the fourth foal from King’s Ballet (NZ), a daughter of Danehill Dancer (Ire).
Rock Empire hails from the family of Playwright (NZ) (Fantastic Light {USA}), a victor of eight races, including the G3 CS Hayes S. He was also placed in the G1 Australian Guineas.
Furthermore, the G3 Comely S. victress Blamed (USA) (Blame {USA}) descends from this extensive international family.
Rock Empire | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
No.13 - Limburg
3-year-old colt, Justify (USA) x Maastricht (NZ) (Mastercraftsman {Ire})
Trainers: Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes
Jockey: Jye McNeil
Barrier: 9
Breeder: Katom and Kia Ora
Owners: Coolmore, Kia Ora Stud W S, R & C Legh Racing Pty Ltd, Glentree Racing, Mr R Smith, Mr L P Maxsted, Mr D V Russo
Sale Information: Limburg was a $1 million purchase by Hawkes Racing from the draft of Kia Ora Stud at the 2022 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
A royally bred colt, Limburg is a half-brother to the brilliant Loving Gaby (I Am Invincible). She was crowned the Champion 3-Year-Old Filly in Australia in 2019/20, claiming victories in the G1 Manikato S. and the G1 William Reid S.
Their dam Maastricht (NZ), a daughter of Mastercraftsman (Ire), was a quality performer, placing in the G2 Edward Manifold S.
Furthermore, Limburg is related to the G1 Goodwood H. winner Velocitea (NZ) (Volksraad {GB}).
Limburg | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
No.14 - Copacabana
3-year-old colt, Toronado (Ire) x Promenades (Lonhro)
Trainers: Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes
Jockey: Jordan Childs
Barrier: 6
Breeders: Gilgal Farm
Owners: Werrett Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Whitby Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Encompass Bloodstock, Mr C H Madden, Mrs J G Madden, Arlington Park Racing Pty Ltd, Mrs A L Bradley, Mrs J V Allan, Mr A D Allan, Mrs C M Cook, Mr F W Cook, Dr A L Attebo
Sale Information: Kitchwin Hills paid $850,000 to secure Copacabana from the draft of Sullivan Bloodstock at the 2022 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
Copacabana is the second runner from the Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes stable. The son of Swettenham Stud’s Toronado (Ire) will look to break his maiden in Caulfield Guineas.
Copacabana is the fourth foal from the Lonhro mare Promenades. She is from a quality family that includes the recent Group 3 victor Tom Kitten (Harry Angel {Ire}) and the G2 Avondale Guineas winner Desert Lightning (NZ) (Pride Of Dubai).
The colt is related to the star North American-trained mare In Italian (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), a victress of four Group 1s.
Copacabana as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
No.15 - The Longest Yard
3-year-old gelding, Lean Mean Machine x Launched (Smart Missile)
Trainers: Matthew Brown
Jockey: Brian Higgins
Barrier: 2
Breeders: Ponderosa Park
Owners: Miss L Groves, Browns & Kirks, Mrs L M Brown, Paynesville Gull's, Six Crowns, Mr G Wright, Mr B R Hoenger, Mr K Maher
Sale Information: Matthew Brown Racing paid $24,000 for The Longest Yard from the draft of Ponderosa Park at the 2022 Inglis Gold Yearling Sale.
Aquis-based second-season sire Lean Mean Machine will be represented by The Longest Yard.
The gelding is the third foal from the Smart Missile mare Launched.
Launched's third dam Itemise (USA) (Kris S. {USA}), a victress of the Listed Winter Cup and placed in the G1 Metropolitan H.
Itemise is the dam of the Group 2 winner, Tally (Street Cry {Ire}).
The Longest Yard | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
