Caulfield Racing Preview: Saturday 6th April

Race 1: Vale John Russell Handicap (1200m)

A handicap only for two-year-old horses kicks off Saturday’s card and there are several horses that look to hold a great chance. 

Immortal Star looks like the horse the rest of the field will need to beat. Beaten by a smart type last time out, she has notched one career victory from her first three starts and will hope to return to winning ways here.

Feroce is one of the most interesting runners in the field. A winner on debut he won impressively and looked a horse capable of going places. This represents a step up in class but he should be more than capable of laying down a serious challenge.

Race 2: Robert Taranto Handicap (2000m)

The handicap action continues in the second race of the day, where nine runners have gathered down to post.

In what looks like an incredibly tight betting contest there are several horses in with a real chance of victory. Unseen Ruler is likely to jump off as a very slim favourite. By no means a prolific winner, he has won three of his first thirteen career starts, and there will be plenty of horses hopeful of causing an upset. 

One such horse is Verifier; although he has just posted one win, it is rare that he finishes too far out of the places and usually gives his backers a real run for their money. 

Race 3: Noel Rundle Handicap (1200m)

Fourteen horses will line up in the third contest of the day. Despite the deep field, it’s White Bear who is heavily expected to lead the betting.

Having only run in five contests he has already notched two wins. A consistent performer at this level, he could take some stopping. 

For those wanting to back a horse at a price, both Tiffany Valentine and The Prodigal Son could be worth chancing.

Race 4: Evergreen Turf Bert Bryant Handicap (1200m)

Another tricky betting heat awaits in race four, where another deep field of fourteen horses is due to run.

In a race stacked with potential winners, a chance could be taken on Miss Aria. A winner when last seen, this represents a jump up in class, but she arrives in good form and could be capable of following up.

Illative looks a progressive type. Having won her last start, this will be just her fifth race, and she could have the potential for further improvement.

Rubikton was a winner on debut. This race represents a massive step up in class, but her debut effort shouldn’t be discounted. 

Race 5: Stow Storage Bill Collins Handicap (1400m)

If you love races with big fields, then you will love Saturday’s Caulfield card, as fifteen runners look set to start the fifth race of the day.

Russian Meteor will be making the sixth start of his career but has now gone three races without a win. His connections will be hoping for a swift return back to the winner’s circle.

The same can be said of Hazel Baby. Having won two of her last three contests, she was unable to complete a trio of wins when last seen, and will hope to bounce back here. 

Race 6: Marshall White Geoff Murphy Stakes (1600m)

Another fifteen runner affair awaits in the sixth race of the card. Nana’s Wish has been in great recent form having won two of her last three races and she could be tough to pass.

Regal Vow can boast a 30% strike rate and has won three of her last five starts. Two poor runs in competitive handicaps on both of her previous two starts don’t inspire a great deal of confidence, but she has shown she can win at this level in the past. 

Race 7: Elvis Thurgood Galilee Series Final (2400m)

The longest race of the day comes in the seventh race. Despite yet another loaded field it’s Antrim Coast who is likely to be popular in the betting.

A good winner of the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes when last seen, few can match that level of form in this field. 

Apulia is one of the horses that can, having finished as the runner up in the 2023 Victoria Derby; he is a classy horse and could have way too much ability for the majority of the field. He can’t be overlooked.

Race 8: Sportsbet Victoria Handicap (1400m)

The first of two Group 3 races on the card, the Sportsbet Victoria Handicap will see twelve head down to post. 

Globe will start as many people’s banker of the day following four wins from his first five starts. His only taste of defeat came last time out when he finished well down the field in Group 2 company, and his connections will hope a return to these calmer waters will help.

Buffalo River is one of the most experienced horses in training. A regular performer at Group 1 level, he knows how to win races of this nature and will be a danger to all in the field. 

Race 9: Tobin Brothers Celebrating Lives Easter Cup (2000m)

The Group action concludes in the penultimate race of the day. Twelve runners will head down to post, where Carini will start as the warm favourite. 

Having won three of his twelve career starts, he is no stranger to the winner’s circle and will hope to return to form here. 

First Immortal boasts the best strike rate in the race. Having won 50% of his starts he won a high quality contest last time out and will be aiming for another big run.

Race 10: Jack Elliot Handicap (1600m)

We finish the action with another handicap, where yet again, another large field is expected to gather.

Frigid is one of the most likely contenders following two victories in her last four races, and her connections will be hoping for another step forward here.

Regal Azmon is another who has notched numerous victories in his career. Without a win in his last five starts, this could be the perfect race for him to bounce back.