Mick’s Mail: Caulfield (Heath Track)

R1- A tricky event to kick us off, I’ve settled on the Graham Begg trained filly Cilacap. A veteran on only 2 starts, she demonstrated at Geelong that she is on the improve, the step up in trip will suit perfectly, the race shape should be ok, and her breeding suggests she has plenty of scope also.

Lario will prove the testing material, his win from the front a fortnight back had merit albeit he was gifted some tempo favours, a repeat of that could be on the cards here.

The fillies Colour Our World and Vixenette are both racing consistently, they will be in the mix also.

Backing #4 Cilacap

R2- Another open event here, even tougher than the first. I like the bottom one Thailess, she has returned a better version of herself than previous preparations, evident by a pair of 2nds. Third up she is now rock hard fit, draws to get a lovely run and after Jaylah Kennedy’s claim gets in with a postage stamp weight.

Hola Amigos resumes here, he’s a very adaptable horse, gets the right run from the barrier, and Ben Allen is riding in great form.

Flying Mikki is racing in career best form and is an undeniable chance, along with Empressive Enuff, who will improve off his first up effort and boasts a good 2^nd up record.

Backing #14 Thailess

R3- The ever-improving Dragoon goes out on top, love the draw, the map suits, and he finds a relatively mediocre field, he is the testing material here.

Indian Jewel is an honest mare, she is putting together a decent record (30% win, 70% place), a senior rider back on and is a winner at this track/distance.

Everything Counts has a better than fluker’s hope, if there is a leaders bias then he is over the odds at $21. His last run had good merit and the jock is one from one on him.

Moveforlex is good on his day and could be the surprise package, the Payne team should always be respected.

Backing #9 Dragoon

R4- One of my best plays on the day is the SA visitor Spirit Of Camelot, her recent efforts over the border have been excellent and she is thoroughly deserved of the chance to compete at the Melbourne metro level. Plenty of other ticks too, progressive, astute trainer, perfect draw, and the hoop has a great affinity with her.

Makena from the Waller yard is getting closer to a win and is the danger, she draws great and gets Lane on which is a big plus with this horse.

Flying Fizz is a chance, I don’t think he is much value at the $2.30 though, I’m prepared to let him go but he can win.

Miss Tarzy will be improved off her first up run and has enough ability to be competitive in this grade.

Backing #6 Spirit Of Camelot

R5- A difficult race to assess with so many first starters.

Of the raced brigade I have Bacash on top of Bombay Boom, who I am expecting to improve dramatically.

Out of those unraced I’m keen to see Invincible Women and Zouclaire.

No Bet

R6- My best of the meeting appears here in the shape of Miss Altair, this Team Hayes filly is flying this prep, has a plum draw, Williams on and the $3.90 they went up with was a luxurious price. Expect around $2.80-$3 on the day and that is still a good price to my eye.

Yes Lulu won well last start in easier company, and the way she did it showed that there are better wins in store for her.

Harry Got Styles is going great this prep and can’t be discounted with the soft draw.

Miraval Rose seems poor value to me but can fill a place, I’ve got a couple of negatives against her.

Backing #8 Miss Altair

R7- The fabulously named Lygon St Luigi is my best value bet of the day; in a race where several runners will be looking to push across to take up a position on the speed, this fella is mapped to get a very cushy run just behind the pace. The claim for emerging Jett Stanley is a plus as is his ability to sprint off slow or fast tempo. The $15 early was juicy at the $10 currently on offer I think he is an excellent each way bet.

Easy Dun needs a few things to go right with his racing pattern and he could get things in his favour here, from the barrier he should get back just off midfield and look to unleash down the middle late.

Awesome Lineup should be just in front Of Easy dun and will drag that horse into the race, his last few runs have all had merit.

Blazing Rebel is getting on in years but his move to Gavin Bedggood seems to have ignited some old spark in him, he was unlucky last start, and a similar effort will have him in the money here.

Backing #12 Lygon St Luigi

R8- A very open race greets us here, plenty of winning chances and differing form lines. Any track bias evident from earlier races will be crucial.

Boston Rocks appeals, he goes great fresh, Matty Dale is an astute placer of his horses, the abundance of speed will have him parked just off them and ready to pounce at the 200M, the booking of Mott is another plus.

Philosopher goes very quick early, if Sheridan Clarke can get him to settle early on, then he will give plenty of cheek back to huis favoured 1000M.

Big Watch is a horse I like, whilst never winning first up he has run 2 placings from 3 goes. His recent jump out supports a forward showing here.

Trapeze Warrior was racing very well until last start and that run should be forgotten, he was caught wide and given no hope. He was a big tip that day and can return to previous form with a smarter ride.

Grand Larceny won well last start, draws perfectly, and is bred to be a superstar.

Backing #11 Boston Rocks

R9- A tricky affair and I’ve gone looking a little wider looking for value.

Young Werther is my speck, he has had a freshen up from his Spring campaign where he was super competitive against the very best (2.5L from Via Sistina 2 runs back). If he is anywhere near that form and the race is run to suit, then he will give them an almighty scare around the $14 mark.

Warnie is the obvious danger; he has had excuses since his first up win, although the $2.10 currently available is way too short for my liking.

British Columbia and Marble Arch both have better than average ability and are always a chance in this type of race.

Backing #1 Young Werther

R10- The last arrives and another race I wasn’t overly keen to play too hard in.

I have Helix on top, he was afforded no favours when resuming and has a decent 2^nd up record. Drawn well, no weight on his back and should get a good run-in transit.

Inhibitions can be a bit of an ‘in n out’ character and this is the type of race that suits him, I won’t be surprised if he is well fancied and wins.

The fave Zou Sensation is going great at present and will be competitive again, he gets a favourable draw and an in-form jockey who rides him very well.

Boldhino is ready to improve markedly off his first up effort, he is better than a $21 chance.

Backing 14 Helix

R3-9

R4-6

R6-8 best of the day

R7-12 best value of the day

R9-1

R1-4x,2,5,7

R2-14ew,7,3,6 open race

R3-9xx,10,13 value,5

R4-6xxx,7,5,3

R5-hard to assess 1,2 improve, 9&11 unraced

R6-8xxx best/day,7,2,3

R7-12x gv,9,11,8

R8-11x,1,3,14,15 very open (watch if bias)

R9-1x gv,3,9,8

R10-super tough 14,9,7,4

Best of luck if you’re playing.