An action packed weekend ahead of us with five runners at Caulfield and three at Randwick on Saturday, as well as Baby Rider and Cepheus in the ‘Big Dance’ Qualifier on Sunday at Grafton.
Saturday, July 8
Randwick
Current Track Rating: Soft
Step Aside
This gelding ran as well as he could have a fortnight ago from a sticky draw, and unfortunately faces a similar task here. In a small but very competitive field, he’s likely to be ridden positively. Although lightly-raced, this gelding is versatile and very honest, and wouldn’t shock to see him win if he has some early luck in running.
Race 2 – 11:35am | 1400m 3yo BM72 | T: Chris Waller | J: Jay Ford 58kgs | Barrier 8 | Saddlecloth 4
Intuitu
This talented stayer is building to the right journey following a most pleasing Australian debut. He found the line well first up over a mile and is expected to be doing the same here, it’s just a question of whether he’s left too much to do from the wide alley. He can only improve again off this run, so if he’s in the finish, it’s a great sign moving forward.
Race 6 – 1:55pm | 2000m BM78 | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Adam Hyeronimus 56.5kgs | Barrier 14 | Saddlecloth 9
Longvillers
This gelding is better than he showed first up off a long layoff, although he wasn’t beaten far all things considered. Provided he’s away well, barrier 1 should afford him the chance of settling closer in running. This is another stepping stone towards getting him to 1600m-1800m, but we’d love to see a slightly more competitive effort with a run under his belt.
Race 8 – 3:15pm | 1400m Listed Winter Stakes | T: Chris Waller | J: Jason Collett 54.5kgs | Barrier 1
| Saddlecloth 8
Caulfield
Current Track Rating: Soft
Elderberry
This filly won in dominant style on return at Moe and now takes a deserved step back into Saturday company. The draw means she’ll be ridden patiently, but she’s shown the turn of speed needed to help overcome that. This is a big jump in class but the form of her win is working out, and she’s always been viewed as a stakes-class filly.
Race 1 – 11:50am | 1100m 2yoF Handicap | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Ben Allen 57kgs | Barrier 14
| Saddlecloth 4
Upwoods
Although this gelding is still a maiden, given the stable’s opinion of, he doesn’t look out of place in this company. He is a 3yo improving with each run and we expect him to take another step forward on Saturday. With just 52kgs on his back, we can expect to see him prominent in running.
Race 3 – 1:00pm | 2000m 3yo Handicap | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | J: Ms Celine Gaudray 52kgs | Barrier 5 | Saddlecloth 11
Got Socks
This gelding undoubtedly has his share of talent, already being stakes performed in France. It’s taken a little while for him to settle into things and the same is expected in this racing preparation. Saturday is about seeing him get into a rhythm and finding the line, because his best is going to be once he’s out to 1400m-1600m.
Race 7 – 3:30pm | 1100m 3yo Handicap | T: Clayton Douglas | J: Daniel Stackhouse 58kgs | Barrier 10 | Saddlecloth 2
Chicago Bear
This gelding disappointed as a warm favourite at Mornington but gave himself no chance of being in the finish, overracing throughout. It looks key that he finds cover, so hopefully back to 1700m from a good draw, he’s able to switch off and find the line. He’s been luckless in Australia so far but the stable believes he can run a big race.
Race 9 – 4:42pm | 1700m BM84 | T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | J: Dean Yendall 55.5kgs | Barrier 7 | Saddlecloth 14
Green Fly
This city winning entire hasn’t quite recaptured the form of his first Australian preparation, albeit he’s been running well without conditions to favour. On Saturday, he’ll get suitable soft ground and a key gear change in the application of blinkers. If the speed is on, we hope to see him closing off strongly.
Race 9 – 4:42pm | 1700m BM84 | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Ben Allen 59.5kgs | Barrier 15
| Saddlecloth 5
Doomben
Current Track Rating: Soft
Eaglemont
Although not his own fault, Eaglemont’s preparation hasn’t quite gone to plan. The gelding is in fine fettle and we believe is going well enough to win, but a poor draw here means he’ll need his share of luck. After being cut off at a crucial stage at Ipswich, we hope he’s afforded a smooth run in transit and a chance to show his best.
Race 2 – 12:18pm | 1600m Class 3 | T: Matthew Dunn | J: James Orman 59kgs | Barrier 11 | Saddlecloth 2
Pakenham
Current Track Rating: Synthetic
Gallagher
This gelding looks well and has certainly had the base of work to be competitive first up over a mile, but his trials have been a little uninspiring. He will need to lift his game on race day but should get his chance to do so. He’s been trialling up on bottomless tracks, so hopefully consistent footing brings about the necessary improvement.
Race 3 – 1:16pm | 1600m Maiden | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | J: Dylan Turner 59.5kgs | Barrier 3
| Saddlecloth 3
Haydock, UK
Current Track Rating: Good
Banderas
This talented colt has enjoyed a nice space between runs after his deserved win at Chester. He’s working his way towards the Melrose at York in August, but this looks a lovely stepping stone provided there’s adequate give in the ground. He’s a gorgeous, big 3yo who wants to please and is improving all the time. He’ll need to take another step forward to win but based on the opinion held of him in Newmarket, he’s very capable of doing so.
Race 2 – 11:05pm | 2800m Handicap Stakes | T: Michael Bell | J: Neil Callan 54.5kgs | Barrier 1
| Saddlecloth 12
Sunday, July 9
Grafton
Current Track Rating: Soft
Baby Rider
To read more about Baby Rider’s chances, click here.
Race 7 – 3:55pm | 1610m South Grafton Quality Cup | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Ashley Morgan 60kgs | Barrier 11
| Saddlecloth 3
Cepheus
To read more about Cepheus’ chances, click here.
Race 7 – 3:55pm | 1610m South Grafton Quality Cup | T: Matthew Dunn | J: Aaron Bullock 62kgs | Barrier 6
| Saddlecloth 1
We look forward to all the action and wish the best of luck to all involved!