Caulfield Cup 2010
With the rain tumbling down all around Melbourne, and the track deteriorating rapidly, the 2010 Caulfield Cup meeting seems in terrible danger.
The landscape of the main race has changed complexion dramatically in the last 6 days, and in the next 24 hours, I expect it to take many more twists and turns.
Race One:
1.Enzed Girl - 9.Follonica - 3.Koala Bear
Consistent galloper ‘Enzed Girl’ looks an each way special in tomorrow's opening race. Getting back onto the softer ground is certainly the biggest plus, and after jumping from barrier 1,she should control the race. Expect big improvement from ‘Canconi’ after striking trouble last start.
Race Two:
1.Skilled – 4.Multahem – 2.Territory – 8.Toolbag
‘Skilled’ is certainly the class horse of the field, he is a Group 1 winner and also ran on well behind Guineas winner ‘Anacheeva’ last start. Even if the wet track poses a concern,he should be to good for these. The David Hayes trained ‘Multahem’ could be the wildcard in the race, I was impressed with its debut win, and will only get better with racing.
Race Three:
8.Our Pride And Joy – 3.Speed Of Dark – 2.Zutara – 4.Dizlago
‘Our Pride And Joy’ gets the nod in what is shaping as one of the most difficult races of the day. Arguably should of beaten Derby bound ‘Pitt Street’ last start, and has a liking to wet tracks, as shown by its length second to Snowden galloper ‘Censor’. You could throw a blanket over the next five or six, but ‘Speed Of Dark’ and ‘Zutara’ look the biggest threats.
Race Four:
1.Retrieve – 4.Mackadoo – 2.Yulalona – 10.Ulundi
Although a shade disappointing in the Spring Champion (where he ran 2nd), ‘Retrieve’ looks to cement his Derby favouritism in the Norman Robinson. After jumping from barrier 1, he should get a nice sit in behind the leaders and prove to strong. New Zealand colt ‘Mackadoo’ is certainly his biggest danger. After winning at this course two starts back in impressive style, he again ran well for sixth in a race in which you could forgive most runs.
Race Five:
4.Soul – 8.General Truce – 6.Definitely Ready – 7.Dubleanny
Lightly raced Darley sprinter ‘Soul’ looks the one to beat in the main sprint race on the card. After running second behind ‘Toorak Toff’ at his first run this preparation, Soul strolled in to win the Danehill Stakes at Flemington a month ago. ‘General Truce’ who also came out of the Danehill, ran third behind super mare ‘Black Caviar’ last week, and the week back up may be his only downside.
Race Six:
4.McClintock – 12.Rothera – 2.All Silent
Looks a perfect race for the internationally travelled ‘Dao Dao’, who second up from a spell steps up to his favourite distance of 1400m. Last time at Caulfield he ran a game second to ‘Typhoon Tracy’ in a Group 1 event, and from barrier 2, should get a perfect sit behind the speed.(SCRATCHED) 'McClintock' ran really well in Melbourne last spring and has warmed up well with three solid runs in Sydney.
Race Seven:
5.Rainbow Styling – 10.Zoomin – 8.Purple – 1.C’est La Guerre
Underrated galloper ‘Rainbow Styling’ should continue his excellent vein of form tomorrow, and add to his growing resume. After winning the Naturalism two starts back, he was outstanding in running second behind 'Precedence' in the JRA cup, and the 2000m seems to be his best distance. In what seems a hot race, the wet track might separate the others, with the best in the wet probably being consistent gelding ‘Zoomin’.
Race Eight:
9.Monaco Consul – 1.Shocking – 15.Descarado – 7.Manighar
Even with the weather putting a dark cloud over the Caulfield Cup, it still looks a race for the ages. All 18 horses have a chance at claiming the coveted Group 1 race, but I believe the four I have nominated have the best chances.
Last years VRC Derby winner ‘Monaco Consul’ may have turned in a shocker last start, but if you ignore that race, his two previous runs were definitely encouraging. I believe he is hitting his straps at the right time, and the heavy ground can only be a bonus for the entire.
‘Shocking’ and ‘Descarado’ should both be around the mark, relishing the wet ground and the 2400m, which will seem like 2800m this late in the day. The best of the imports looks to be ‘Manighar’ and it wouldn’t surprise to see him slashing home late to grab a place. Other chances to ‘Harris Tweed’ and ‘Herculian Prince’.
Race Nine:
3.Culminate – 14.Aloha – 8. I’m A Hussy – 6.Montana Flyer
Classy mare ‘Hot Danish’ despises the wet, and will most probably avoid this race at all costs. ‘Culminate’ resumed from a spell with an average run at Flemington first up, but will take significant improvement into this race. She will appreciate the softer ground, and on her best will definitely take some beating. ‘Aloha’ definitely looks an improving horse, and could be the wild card, ahead of a group of 6-7 others. A typical tough mares race.
Race 10:
12.Misty Blue – 10.Little Gem – 20 Varenna Miss
Apart from the cup, this looks to be the toughest race on the card. Every horse has a winning chance, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a roughie thrown up into the mix. ‘Misty Blue’ is a lightly raced mare, coming back from an eight month break. Looked classy in her first preparation, and wouldn’t be surprised to see her winning some black type in the near future. Throw the field into the quaddie, because this race does look impossible!
Best Bet: Race 5 No.4 Soul
Best Roughie: Race 1 No. 1 Enzed Girl, Race 8 No. 9 Monaco Consul
Quaddie:
1,5,8,10/1,7,9,13,15/3,6,8,13,14/4,6,10,11,12,15
$100 for 16.67%
