Caulfield Preview: Saturday May 4th by Dean McHugh

Saturday’s opening race will see eight horses head down to post. Aimed exclusively at two-year-old horses, there are plenty of horses in the lineup who will be dreaming of bigger and better things and could well turn a race of this nature into a procession.

With three runs under his belt, the favourite for the race will be Signor Bill. Yet to finish outside of the top two, he notched his first victory last weekend at a canter, and his connections will be hopeful of a repeat of that performance here.

A slightly larger field awaits in the second race of the day, where Mawallock will start the race as one of the bankers of the day.

Having posted four wins in her first five races, she has been handed the plum inside draw and looks to have a great chance of winning her fifth contest. 

As Mawollock will be making her first start since October, there are several horses in the lineup who will be hopeful of creating the shock. Wakanjeja and Mrs Chrissie are two others who will warrant major consideration.

One of the most competitive races of the day comes in our third race of the day, where Cadmus is due to start as the slim favourite. 

Without a win in his last three starts, his connections will hope they have found the perfect race for him to bounce back.

Rampant Lion has two wins from his first nine starts but will be looking to return to the winner’s circle following a third-place finish when last seen. A consistent performer at this level, he looks to hold a strong chance.

The fourth race of the day will see twelve talented three-year-old horses head down to post in an attempt to land this valuable handicap. On paper, there are several contenders for the race, but the most interesting selection has to be Regal Might. 

A winner on his debut, this represents a hike up in class, but there could be plenty of improvement to come.

If looking to back a horse in form, Pantelone could be the horse for you. A winner last time out, he likes to come on late, so don’t be concerned if he is sitting well off the pace through the early stages of the race.

Thirteen horses will compete for the BlueBlood Thoroughbreds Handicap. Another tight betting heat awaits as both Philosopher and La Danseuse Rouge are likely to jump off as co-favourites.

Despite both being vastly experienced, neither has seen the inside of the winner’s circle for a while, and a chance could be taken elsewhere. 

Twin Perfection has won both of his last two starts and is on a roll. Although this will be one of his toughest assignments to date, his form can’t be dismissed, and at a price, he could be worth a small play.

Nine horses will head down to post for the Evergreen Turf Handicap, and there is plenty of value on offer.

Angland is bound to be hugely popular in the betting thanks to two comprehensive victories to start off his career, but another big showing will be needed to win a handicap of this nature.

Despite Angland’s credentials at the top of the market, Riproar, Wolfy and Grinzinger Belle all make the shortlist and have a strong chance of victory.

The handicap action continues to come thick and fast, and ten runners will compete for the seventh race of the day. 

Here to Shock will have his fair share of support following a victory at the track last month. Timing his charge late, he was a cosy winner and could well take another step forward here.

If looking for value, El Soleado could be one of the best value options of the entire card. With four victories in his last six starts, he is no stranger to the winner’s enclosure, and his connections will be expecting another big run.

Munhamek has been spending most of his career in much bigger races than this. Although he has just one win in his last ten starts, he should make his presence felt in this grade.

One of the longest races of the day comes in our eighth race, where sixteen horses will make their bids for glory.

Aztec State has had five career starts but just has the one win which came on debut. Making his third start over the track, he has finished second and third and will be hoping this is the race where he can finally break his Caulfield duck.

Set to run him close are Saban, Steel Run and Gates. All are likely to jump off at the top of the market.

The long-distance races continue to come and another 2000m awaits in our penultimate race of the day.

Berkeley Square managed to win his first race in nine starts when battling hard to a victory at Caulfield last week. The nature of that race could have taken it out of him, but if he’s recovered, he could be tough to pass.

Shaiyhar has now gone five races without a win but has performed at this level in the last and has to be a must for any shortlist.

Aberfeldie Boy is another who looks to hold a major chance.

Saturday’s card concludes with one final sixteen-runner handicap. Despite the deep field, Chorlton Lane has two wins from his last five runs and has only finished outside of the top three on one occasion. If looking for a solid contender, he has to be the top pick.

Talbrager has six wins from his nine career starts and warrants huge respect, as does So Risque.