Caulfield Preview: Saturday 11th May by Dean McHugh

Ten horses will head down to post for Saturday’s opening race, and there are plenty of intriguing runners set to be in attendance.

Stanley Express is one of the most fascinating horses of the day. A winner on debut, his connections will be hoping that he can repeat the feat here.

Denial was a runner-up on his debut, having only narrowly missed out. Having reported after the race that he wasn’t 100% fit, further improvement could be on the cards, and another big run can be expected.

Nine horses have been declared for Saturday’s second race, and it’s He’s Beset who is set to start as the warm favourite. 

Hugely consistent, he has only finished outside of the top three in four of his eleven starts and usually gives his backers a decent run for their money.

A narrow runner up when last seen on track, his connections will hope he can take another big leap forward here.

A field of twelve will line up for the Rod Griffiths Handicap, and there looks to be several horses capable of landing the contest.

Our Red Morning started off her career in great fashion winning three of her first five races, however since those victories, she has now gone three races without a win. Her last three runs have all come in higher graded races, so a return to this level of racing could suit her.

Fancify has won three of her first eight starts and will be bidding for another victory here. Returning from a four-month break last month, she could only finish in sixth place. However, she should be far fitter now and could be worth siding with.

Elphinstone will headline a field of ten in the Rod Fenwick Handicap. A winner when last on track, the victory was only her second, but she has finished in second place on five different occasions. A consistent performer, she could be tough to beat.

Sure is likely to start the race as her biggest rival. Having won on his debut, he looks like a horse with real potential and should have a major say on who ends up on top.

Another competitive handicap greets the halfway mark of Saturday’s card, and Let’sbefrankbaby looks set to start as the tentative favourite. 

Having won four out of her thirteen career starts, she is without a win in her last three races, and her connections will hope to see her losing run end here.

Sing For Peace boasts a similar stat line to the favourite. Having won races at this level in the past, it could be his time once again.

Race 6 sees one of the biggest fields of the day take to the track, with sixteen runners vying for glory in the Darren Gauci Handicap. 

Moveforlex has been well drawn and is looking to build on his win last time out. Albanian I Am was also a previous winner and is another looking for further success. Both warrant major consideration.

Quantum Cat could be the best value option of the day. Having won five of his eight career starts, he could win this race from a good inside draw.

Fourteen runners have been declared for the Lamaro’s Hotel Handicap, and like some of the cards’ previous races, picking a winner of the race looks a tricky task.

Bossy Nic represents powerful connections and has been drawn in gate number 1. Having gone six starts without a win, backing her will require a leap of faith, but she looks well-placed to end her losing run.

Drawn alongside Bossy Nic is Miss Aria. A winner of two of her nine starts, she has just missed out on both of her last two runs. This could be the race where it finally all comes together.

Devoted will start as the warm favourite for Saturday’s eighth race. Having consistently performed in this grade, he moved into Open Handicap company for both of his last two starts but found those races difficult. Back in this grade, he has to start as a major contender.

Shock Em Ova has won two of his last three races. Clearly in great heart, he is likely to make another bold bid and should represent some really decent value.

Fourteen runners have been declared for the day’s penultimate race but it is Frigid, who will start as the heavy favourite. Victorious three weeks ago when last seen, she is in flying form, having won three of her last six races. Another big showing could be on the cards.

Golden Path started his career off in great style, winning two of his first three races. Since then the victories have been harder to come by and his connections will hope his losing run of six races will end here.

The final race on Caulfield’s Saturday card will see sixteen runners bid for glory. In a wide open contest, End Assembly and Prancing Spirit are set to jump off as co-favorites but of the two it’s Prancing Spirit who has the better recent form and could take some stopping. 

If you are looking for a horse to provide you with value for money, Bellinger could be a wise pick. A veteran of the track, he has won numerous races of this nature and should compete for the places once again.