Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
G1 Caulfield Guineas - a race for breeding enthusiasts
The Autumn Sun was an odds-on favourite when he emulated his sire Redoute's Choice by taking out this race in 2018 and we have another horse with a stranglehold on the betting this time around; Broadsiding (Too Darn Hot {GB}) strongly fancied to record his fourth Group 1 victory.
Like The Autumn Sun, Broadsiding took out the G1 Golden Rose S. and this is a double accomplished on only one other occasion: by Ole Kirk in 2020.
Broadsiding also has pedigree links to the Caulfield Guineas; his second damsire Redoute's Choice one of its most famous winners.
And training links, James Cummings already winning this race twice with Golden Mile and Anamoe whilst his famous grandfather Bart Cummings is its most successful trainer with five victories: Storm Queen (Coronation Boy {Ire}) in 1966, Kenmark in 1974, Alfa (El Moxie {USA}) in 1996, God's Own in 2005 and Wonderful World in 2006.
Broadsiding, the current favourite for the G1 Caulfiled Guineas | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Completing Broadsiding's excellent Caulfield Guineas credentials is his rider, James McDonald winning the race three times; on Golden Mile, The Autumn Sun and Shooting To Win.
The Redoute's Choice sire line has been a strong influence in the race (including last year's winner Griff by Trapeze Artist) but has just one representative this year; Snitzel's son Wanaruah whose trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott seek their first win in this Classic.
Little Avondale Stud's Per Incanto (USA) has done a good job getting two nice horses into the race; this Street Cry (Ire) sire line successful with Anamoe three years ago, Long John (Street Cry) in 2013 and Whobegotyou (Street Cry) in 2008. Evaporate (NZ) and Rue De Royal (NZ) both come through the G2 Stutt S., finishing first and third.
The Fastnet Rock branch of the Danehill (USA) sire line had the 2015 winner Press Statement (Hinchinbrook) and is on Saturday represented by Mayfair (Fastnet Rock) whose lead up form has been consistent.
Ole Kirk's sire Written Tycoon has two runners; the promising Public Attention (NZ) who did it tough out wide when a game second in the G3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude and Private Life who was on the heels of the placegetters in that same race.
Broadsiding's sire Too Darn Hot also has two runners, the other being Tropicus whilst fellow Darley stallion Harry Angel (Ire) has the very handsome Angel Capital (Harry Angel {Ire}); one of several nice 3-year-olds bred by David Peacock who cheered home last weekend's G2 Edward Manifold S. winner Too Darn Discreet (Too Darn Hot {GB}).
Angel Capital, the current second-favourite for the G1 Caulfield Guineas | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
The Invincible Spirit (Ire) sire line is yet to have a Caulfield Guineas winner, its chances lying with one of the outsiders of the field in Vianarra (Shalaa {Ire}).
Also at big odds is Feroce (NZ) who vies for a bit of history as the only runner by a stallion who also won the race; Super Seth successful in 2019. Five Caulfield Guineas winners have gone on to sire a winner; Wallace (Kinglike, Lady Wallace and Patrobas), Bobadil (Danaus and Blague), Heroic (Ajax and Nuffield), Vain (Kenmark), Beau Sovereign (NZ) (Palace Reign) and Redoute's Choice (God's Own and The Autumn Sun).
G1 Might And Power S. - a benefit for Mr B?
Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars), as an odds-on favourite without his main rival Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) lining up, attempts to win his eighth race at the elite level and his first at the 2000 metres.
Finishing off well when fourth behind Anamoe in this race two years ago, he is yet to win at 2000 metres at any level though he as of course a game and close up second in last year's G1 W.S Cox Plate, a photo required to split him and the Hong Kong visitor Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}).
Whilst he has not won at the trip, Mr Brightside is well and truly proven at the track, his eight starts at Caulfield yielding five victories (three in Group 1 company) and two seconds.
Mr Brightside (NZ), the current favourite for the G1 Might And Power S. at Caulfield | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) is the only horse amongst his seven rivals to have won at Group 1 level over 2000 metres, last year's Champions Mile (Mackinnon S.) at Flemington. She has ventured to Caulfield only once, getting too far back in this year's G1 C.F Orr S. which was won by Mr Brightside.
Deny Knowledge (Ire) (Pride Of Dubai) could run a cheeky race whilst Coco Sun (The Autumn Sun) was solid second-up in the G1 Underwood S.
Renamed two years ago to honour Might And Power (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) who won this weight-for-age contest (then run as the Caulfield S.) in 1998, it is a race with an impressive history, won by the likes of Wakeful (Trenton {NZ}), Eurythmic (Eudorus {GB}), Heroic, Manfred, Chatham, Hall Mark, Ajax, Tranquil Star (Grey Lothario {GB}), Bernborough, Rising Fast (NZ) (Alonzo {GB}), Gunsynd, Family Of Man, Kingston Town (Bletchingly), Bonecrusher (NZ) (Pag Asa), Rough Habit (NZ) (Roughcast {USA}), Northerly (Serheed {USA}), Lonhro, So You Think (NZ) and Winx (Street Cry {Ire}).
Four times in the last decade it has been won by that year's Cox Plate winner: So You Think, Ocean Park (NZ), Winx and Anamoe.
G1 Toorak H. - a handicap with history
The last of Caulfield's Group 1 trio, the Toorak H. is a race of considerable history, first run in the 1880s as a Principal race and run at its current elite standard since the introduction of the Pattern system.
It has been taken out by some outstanding gallopers; horses able to successfully mix handicap and weight-for-age form such as Galilee (NZ) (Alcimedes {GB}), Tobin Bronze (NZ), Crewman, Tauto (Good Brandy {GB}), Gunsynd, Leilani (NZ) (Oncidium {GB}), More Joyous (NZ) (More Than Ready {USA}) and I'm Thunderstruck (NZ) (Shocking).
As is the beauty of handicap racing at the elite level, this is a race of many chances though the favourite Another Wil (Street Boss {USA}) will have many fans having won three of his last four starts including the Listed Testa Rossa S. in sensational style overcoming trouble in running.
Another Wil, the current favourite for the G1 Toorak H. at Caulfield | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Already a Group 1 winner in New Zealand, Desert Lightning (NZ) (Pride Of Dubai) was back to his best in the G3 Sandown S. whilst Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) is already proven at the elite level; taking out this year's G1 New Zealand Derby and the G1 Vinery Stud S.
Antino (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) has always promised to win a race like this and also coming off good recent runs are Alsephina (Star Turn), Craig (GB) (Territories {Ire}), Osipenko (NZ) (Pierro) and Wishlor Lass (Mshawish {USA}),
Whichever horse wins this year's Toorak, it will be a first for their trainer with no previous winners having runners. Of the jockeys, two have won multiple Tooraks; Craig Williams (who aptly rides Craig) successful aboard Fierce Impact (Jpn) in 2019 and Barely A Moment in 2005 whilst Osipenko's rider Damian Lane was on Land Of Plenty (Stratum) in 2018 and Tosen Stardom (Jpn) the year before.
G1 Livamol Classic - New Zealand's weight-for-age stars
A race traditionally contested and won by some of New Zealand's finest gallopers, this weight-for-age 2040-metre event has on its honour roll the likes of Gloaming (The Welkin {GB}), Redcraze (NZ) (Red Mars {GB}), Balmerino (NZ), Lomondy (NZ) (Noble Bijou {USA}), La Mer (NZ) (Copenhagen {GB}) Veandercross (NZ) (Crossways {GB}), Solvit (NZ) (Morcon {GB}), Princess Coup (Encosta De Lago) and Melody Belle (Commands).
There look to be plenty of chances in this year's running with the honest mare Campionessa (NZ) (Contributer {Ire}) opening up favourite. Already a Group 1 winner of last year's Zabeel Classic over this same distance, she strips fitter for her last two runs and has won a trial since.
Campionessa (NZ), the current favourite for the G1 Livamol Classic at Te Rapa | Image courtesy of Kenton Wright Race Images
Also strongly fancied is the last-start G1 Arrowfield Stud Plate winner One Bold Cat (NZ) (The Bold One {NZ}) who was strong to the line when fifth in Campionessa's Zabeel Classic late last year. He is Group 1 placed with a couple of Group 3 wins at this distance range.
El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking) can be forgiven his unplaced run when in the market behind One Bold Cat last start, taken on in front. His last run at the trip was his G1 Bonecrusher New Zealand S. victory in March.
Snazzytavi (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) is also a recent winner, looking to have plenty in hand racing away to an easy win over 1600 metres at just her second run this time in. She certainly knows how to find the line, successful at half of her 12 starts to date. By the same sire is Pearl Of Alsace (NZ) who found early trouble second-up behind One Bold Cat and who was a game third in this race last year.
The 3-year-olds - the Gloaming, the Roman Consul and the Tapp-Craig
There is plenty of action for the 3-year-olds at Rosehill on Saturday with the first of three stakes races for that age group being the G3 Gloaming S., an 1800-metre contest which has been won by the likes of Kingston Town (Bletchingly), Grosvenor (NZ), Sir Dapper, Tie The Knot (Nassipour {USA}), So You Think (NZ) and Dundeel (NZ).
It has been a while since the Hawkes name has been associated with this race, Arena the last winner for the stable back in 1998 but they saddle up this year's favourite; Swiftfalcon (Exceedance) impressive winning his last two including the Listed Dulcify Quality.
Also looking to win three in a row are El Castello (Castelvecchio) and Tenbury Wells (Fastnet Rock) whilst Henlein attempts to emulate his sire Dundeel's win in this race, looking a leading contender on the back of his game G2 Stutt S. second last time out.
Swiftfalcon, the current favourite for the G3 Gloaming S. at Rosehill | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
The following race, the G2 Roman Consul S. over 1200 metres, has also been won by some very nice horses such as Red Anchor, Slight Chance (NZ) (Centaine), Exceed And Excel, Fastnet Rock and Zoustar.
Favourite to take home the trophy this year is the Mornington trained Coleman (Pierata) who is back to his own age group after solid performances in the G1 Moir S. and the G1 Manikato S.
The main form reference here is the Listed Heritage S. in which Perspiration (Too Darn Hot {GB}) proved too strong for Gatsby's (Snitzel) and Ikasara (I Am Invincible) who won't get to take him on, since he has been scratched.
Coleman, the current favourite for the G2 Roman Consul S. at Rosehill | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
The new black-type race, the Listed Tapp-Craig over 1400 metres is the next race on the programme and it has horses boasting strong form lines from Melbourne and Sydney including the consistent Snack Bar (Frosted) who has been Group 3 placed at his last two starts and Just Party (Justify {USA}) who backs up from an unlucky fourth in last weekend's Listed Dulcify.
Also well-fancied is Anode (I Am Invincible) who comes back in class after contesting the G1 Golden Rose; at his previous outing splitting Traffic Warden (Street Boss {USA}) and Storm Boy (Justify {USA}) in the G2 Run To The Rose. The filly More Territories (Territories {Ire}) also has fans having got back in a G2 Tea Rose S. not run to suit.
Anode, the current favourite for the Listed Tapp-Craig at Rosehill | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
The mares - the Nivison, the Northwood Plume and the Vase
Mares are well catered for in Sydney and Melbourne on Saturday, with Rosehill hosting as one of its features the G3 The Nivison; a race won last year by the subsequent dual Group 1 winner Magic Time (Hellbent).
Nash Rawiller seeks consecutive wins in the race, this time around partnering with Roots (Press Statement) who showed an encouraging return to form when finishing off nicely for a G3 Tibbie S. second at Newcastle.
Her main dangers look to be Olentia (Zoustar) whose first-up form is hard to fault, Coco Jamboo (Ire) (Massaat {Ire}) who has trialled nicely and Peace Treaty (National Defense {GB}) who has made her own luck on pace winning her last two in strong fashion.
Olentia, the current favourite for G3 The Nivison at Rosehill | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
The first of the two black-type races for mares on a strong Caulfield card is the G3 Northwood Plume S. A 1200m sprint which is being run for the 18th time, it is named in honour of a triple Group 1 winner and has been by a number of mares successful at that level; Griante (Good Journey {USA}), Politeness (Street Sense {USA}), Sheidel (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) and Tofane (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}).
A major contender is Charm Stone (I Am Invincible) who boasts good fresh form whilst Gumdrops (Written Tycoon) is proven at this level and did not have the best of luck when resuming.
Wild Belle (Pride Of Dubai) comes over from Perth with good form and Extratwo (Toronado {Ire}) rarely runs a bad race whilst Kundalini (I Am Invincible) attempts to win three in a row. It is an open race with the South Australian visitor Aviatress (Smart Missile) also a chance.
A Little Deep, the current favourite for the G3 Northwood Plume S. at Caulfield | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Traditionally run on the Wednesday of the Caulfield carnival, the G3 Ladies Day Vase is the following race, and it is another even contest with a number of mares who have already proven their quality.
Such as the G1 Australasian Oaks winner Vibrant Sun (The Autumn Sun) who is capable of second-up improvement, the G2 Let's Elope S. winner Grinzinger Belle (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) and the five-time Group winner See You In Heaven (Divine Prophet).
Grinzinger Belle (NZ), the current favourite for the G3 Ladies Day Vase | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Adding interest to the race is Winx's (Street Cry {Ire}) half-sister City Of Lights (Deep Impact {Jpn}) who did not enjoy the best of luck when a close up fourth in the Tibbie S. whilst Lady Jones (Toronado) just keeps racing well.
