Racing Tips: Caulfield 24/01/2026

R1- Our day kicks off with the last start winner Merrigold being our best bet on the card. This John Sadler trained mare returned to her best form last Saturday winning a 1600M event in fine style. The additional 100M should pose no problem. Over this mare’s career, once she finds form, she maintains it, evidenced by winning 8 races from only 28 starts. The way she won last week suggested that she is at her peak now, another victory is expected here.

Taken will start favourite and is the main danger, he also boasts an excellent winning strike rate (5 of 11). His latest run when failing in a million-dollar race at Pakenham was most uncharacteristic, the grade was significantly better than what he faces here. He does race well at Caulfield, which is a plus, as is the booking of Jamie Melham who won on her only ride on him.

Smokin’ Princess and Verdad have minor claims.

Backing #6 Merrigold (3 win units)

R2- The next two races are divisions of the Blue Diamond Prelude and given the lack of exposed form we won’t be betting.

Alibaba and Milsons Point look to have nice ability off their only starts and should be monitored for the future.

Invicto is beautifully bred and brought $600K through the sales ring, he is another to watch.

No Bet

R3- The filly’s version here and again not much to go on.

I am keen to watch Angels Fury, Jadzia, La Gitana, and the regally bred $1M purchase Queen’s English, from a future viewpoint.

No Bet

R4- This is a tricky race with tempo playing a huge part. I have the resuming Conchiero on top, particularly given the lack of early pace. There are several positive factors apart from tactical speed, the wide barrier, the booking of Ben Melham, and the 1400M first up, that shows clear intent that it’s ready to go IMO.

Paradise City showed last run that a win isn’t too far away, she should be at her peak here.

Georgie Get Mad is another who will race handy and could benefit greater from a soft time around the lead.

Superlicious can figure although its poor record at Caulfield is a worry.

One to throw into your trifecta’s is Heavenly Eagle, it can pull out a cheeky run at times and goes well 2^nd up. Its way better than a 100/1 chance.

Backing #11 Conchiero (1 win unit), #12 Heavenly Eagle (0.5 win unit)

R5- The Maher trained resumer Damehood is my top pick here. This mare has a better than average first up profile, will appreciate the above-average early speed and from barrier 9 will settle in the back half of the field and storm home late. Aided by the silky skills of Ethan Brown who has never ridden better.

Declared was a handy winner first up and is benefitted by young Jackson Radley’s claim, it should get a cozy run and will also be looking to run on late.

Salsa Fellow and Expulsion are others who could win without surprising.

Backing #8 Damehood (1.5 win units)

R6- Another Ethan Brown mount in Steel Run is one of my top bets on the card. First up in March last year this gelding commenced its preparation at the same distance and was close behind some very handy types, horses that would easily account for this lot. Mick Kent is a very astute trainer and there would have been plenty learnt from that to assist with a positive performance here. I think it’s a great bet.

Trapalanda is coming off 3 consecutive 2nds and will prove the testing material here, the claim for Houston and a handy barrier are plusses for him.

Suntora is an honest mare who will be competitive, as will Stylish Secret who is suited and at its peak.

Backing #7 Steel Run (2 win units)

R7- We kick off the quaddy with a 1000M scamper and I like the topweight Insurrection. This talented visitor from Sydney resumed at this track last prep and was run down late by the very good galloper Rey Magnerio. That day it was 1100M, the lesser distance suits perfectly. He has trialled up well in preparation and its worth noting that this is the weakest race he has contested for some time. The $12 on offer seems over the odds in what looks a winnable race for a horse of his calibre.

Geegees Mistruth will benefit from a full campaign in the Mark Walker camp; she is very smart and is the danger.

Beast Mode and Oak Hill are winning chances albeit they don’t present as value in my assessments.

Backing #1 Insurrection (1.5 win unit)

R8- The race of the day, the Group 3 Manfred Stakes, and it’s certainly a tough event to find the winner.

The resuming Custom gets my nod mainly on potential, she also gets a lovely barrier, Jamie Melham, and a win when previously first up. That said, it’s not a race I want to bet into.

Stablemate Salty Pearl is the danger, it should get a nice run from a soft draw and whilst not winning when first up at 3 attempts, has always been competitive.

Others to put in your quaddy are Miss Ole, who should improve off its first up effort, and Romantic Encounter, who should get a lovely run in transit.

No Bet

R9- The WA visitor Aztec Ruler comes out on top here, supported by the addition of William Pike coming over to steer. He has an excellent record at 1400M, a nice draw and the profile of this race look good for him. The support has also come suggesting he is ready to peak.

Steparty finds the right race if he’s anywhere near his best he will go very close. He’s never missed a place at 4 attempts at the track/trip.

Zou Sensation has been a revelation over the past 6 months; he must be in the numbers.

Attrition has been racing well below its best, if the best of him turns up he will blow them away. He is worth a small ticket at the $23.

Backing #7 Aztec Ruler (1.5 unit), #1 Attrition (0.5 unit)

R10- We close out the card with the very smart Touchdown to continue its winning way. He has had 6 starts for 4 wins and two 2nds, with excuses for both defeats. He gets a perfect draw, Luke Currie who knows him well, and a field that doesn’t pose too many concerns. Bet late as I think the market might look to risk him (at their peril).

Narbold will be better after its first up run and can improve dramatically, at his best he can give this a shake.

Yes I Know has ability and will be fancied again, I wasn’t overly enamoured with his closing work last start, he could redeem himself here, although the price is way too skinny for me.

Ahha Ahha is another with a chance, but can be hard to catch.

Backing #5 Touchdown (2 win units)