Mick’s Mail: Caulfield 8/02/2025

R1- We open proceedings with a nice bet at good odds in the shape of He’s Beset. This fella has put in 2 nice efforts back from a spell that have brought him along ready to peak here, is a Caulfield winner, draws perfectly and Shinn goes on. Plenty of upside and the $8.50 is appealing.

Liberami is the danger, this mare is also 3^rd up and won its only start at the same time of her prep. Its last run showed that a win isn’t far away, and the booking of Zahra is a big plus.

Bur Dubai is a very interesting runner from the Price/Kent yard, its UK form is solid and its pertinent to note that he has been gelded since its last run. Resuming at 1600M suggests it is ready to go. Very hard to get a hold of these imports, he could be a standout.

One Long Day is racing very consistently and can’t be left out.

Backing #2 He’s Beset

R2- The lightly raced Emphasize comes out on top here, from 2 career starts it has shown good ability against some adversity. I see him getting a soft run from the draw and being too good. Quite a few of these have found their level and I’m thinking Emphasize has decent scope to keep improving. Hopefully, he took no harm when tossing Shane Foley on the way to the barriers last Saturday.

Cat Noir steps up in grade and distance here, although her latest efforts support that she will handle those rises. She’s more seasoned now and her latest win had decent merit, she can win at double figure odds.

Inevitable Award and Cable Dancer also have claims in an open race.

Backing #10 Emphasize and saving on #9 Cat Noir

R3- An extremely tricky affair and one I won’t be getting overly involved in.

For the record, I’ve got United Nations on top purely on potential, he may still be a run or two away, although on his best form he would account for these.

Shaiyhar won well and a repeat will have him go close again, many of these are rather inconsistent and he has better ability than the majority.

The NZ visitor Mehzebeen could have significant ‘X factor’, his best form is at longer distances than this, but his very astute trainer Mark Walker will have him ready to perform at 2000M first up, monitor betting moves.

Touristic has plenty to like about him and his recent effort prior to coming down from Sydney should be ignored, he is a very real chance.

No Bet

R4- A couple of tricky races these 2yo races.

In the colts edition I have marked them in order Field Of Play, Aleppo Pine, Lofty Thoughts (has ability but it might be too soon), and similarly with the unraced Katsumi Orochi.

Will be watching with a view to the future.

No Bet

R5- I can bet in this race after seeing My Gladiola win its first start in the style of a very good horse. I think we should be patient and bet late as they will gamble against her due to the wide barrier. That shouldn’t worry her, she is very good.

Gin Spirit was good when winning on debut and will be competitive.

Odessa returns after a brief let up and may be a significant improver at huge odds.

Exit of those unraced is nicely bred, drawn well, and should be included.

Backing #1 My Gladiola

R6- This race offers little value with the main hopes all well found in the betting, and little separating them from a winning chance perspective.

Maharba, Rey Magnerio, Insurrection and Airman in that order.

No Bet

R7- I like Angel Capital as a horse, if he has returned well then he should account for this lot.  Unbeaten first up, 1/1 at the track/distance, perfect draw for him and there is no better rider than Melham.

Evaporate is the only danger, the stable thought enough of him to try him in our best race, albeit he had no chance with the awful Karis Teetan ride. He gets a soft draw and Zahra, if there’s a chink in Angel Capital’s armour then Evaporate can expose it.

Trifecta hopes to the improving Jenni The Fox and Catoggio who may get soft lead favours, doubt they can beat the top 2 though.

Backing #2 Angel Capital

R8- I’m looking out wide and like the mare Howgoodareyou here, she was given no hope when having her first run for the Begg stable and I expect her to improve dramatically. Her best form is certainly good enough to win this. She’s my best value bet on the card.

Chorlton Lane is a consistent horse who rarely runs a bad race, he gets plenty of favours here with a great barrier and a significant jockey upgrade.

Elphinstone has been a revelation of recent times and she can continue her winning ways; she just needs luck from a sticky barrier.

Marble Arch will make her own luck up on the speed and can’t be discounted.

Backing #13 Howgoodareyou

R9- Now this is a race ladies and gentlemen. We are going to see the next superstar of the Australian turf go to another level, and that horse is Another Wil. There are so many positives around this horse its hard to list them all.

Lightly raced, explosive turn of foot, 61.54% win ratio, jockey is 7 wins from 9 rides on him, only beaten once first up (bad ride on a bog track), loves Caulfield, loves the 1400M, and flew in a recent jump out to affirm he has come back in style. Max Bet!!

Schwarz was very good when winning at Moonee Valley, he has above average ability and is the danger if there is one.

Private Life is a lovely 3yo, he has proved that he is one of the very best in his age group, this is a decent step up in class against these tough WFA horses but with natural improvement he will become a member of this club moving forward.

Mr Brightside is a certified champion with few horses rivalling his will to win, I’m doubting his 7yo legs have the same pep of some of his rivals here, but you can’t underestimate a champion.

Max Bet #5 Another W

R10- We draw the curtains on a great days racing with a competitive race. I like Arabian Summer to return to the winners list, she is a winner (4 from 8), loves the distance and won her only start when 3^rd up.

The resuming Drifting is a serious horse, she is unbeaten first up, won her only start at the track and trialled up nicely at Rosehill recently. One of these two will win I think.

Rich Dottie and La Vie En are more than capable and can fill the exotic spots.

Backing #4 Arabian Summer and #1 Drifting

R1-2

R5-1

R9-5 Best of the day

R8-13 Best value play

R1-2xx,9,6,1

R2-10x,9v,7,4

R3-9v improver??,8,5??,7 (tricky)

R4-3,2,6,12??? (open race)

R5-1xx,5,8,10??

R6-2,4,3,1 knockout (skinny)

R7-2x,1…8,3

R8-13xx gv,4,10,11

R9-5xxx best/day,7,10,1

R10-4x,1…8,12

Best of luck if you’re playing.