It’s an unfathomably huge day of racing this Saturday, as is always the case on this Saturday in October. Starting with Caulfield Cup day, we have a huge 10 race program to get through with the highlight clearly being the G1 over 2400m, as we see some exciting internationals go head to head with our best stayers. A time honoured G1 with such prestigious status, it promises to be an outstanding day of racing. Then to Randwick, which hosts the fourth running of the world’s richest race on turf, The Everest. It looks an outstanding edition of the race, even with the lack of international competitors, and is joined by The Kosciuszko for the country trained horses. Morphettville, Doomben and Ascot round out the other metropolitan meetings, take a look at PlayUp form analyst Lewis Willoughby’s top five bets for the day below.
Caulfield R6 #3 Fituese $2.80 at PlayUp – Keen to be with this exciting Thompson mare who has an unbelievable race record, and continues to impress every time she steps out. Got well back in the running last start fresh at Rosehill, and powered over the top of Hilo and Masked Crusader who are no slouches. She is so far unbeaten at the 1100m journey, which is easily her pet distance. The win last prep in Listed level (Denise Joy Stks) was dominant, and 1200m clearly see’s her out. Second up now, any rain around is no issue, I expect Williams to want to push across from barrier 8 and find a position near the speed. He also has the option to hold out main rival California Zimbol, who is drawn directly outside him. First attempt in Melbourne, but she is a very smart mare and can be winning here. Selections: 3-2-1-4
Caulfield R8 #4 Wild Planet $4.80 at PlayUp – Sticking with the G1 runner Wild Planet here, who travels down to Melbourne after a mixed prep so far up in Sydney. A certainty beaten first up in the G3 Show County, and then bounced back with a strong win in the G2 Theo Marks, beating Funstar who then ran 2nd in the G1 Epsom. Wild Planet also contested the Epsom, and covered a lot of ground, and was not given much room in the straight. Fourth up peak fit here, any rain around shouldn’t bother him either. Gets a suck run from barrier one in behind the speed, back to 1400m is ideal, and Bowman is a huge booking. Save on Best Of Days. Selections: 4-10-9-1
Caulfield R10 #6 She Shao Fly $6.50 at PlayUp – Going with this Corstens mare who looks a good betting prospect at her current quote, which seems longer than it should be. She was a very good 2nd last start behind Sierra Sue in the G2 Blazer at Flemington, after looking all over the winner she was nabbed on the post. I concede that she has been beaten this prep by Pretty Brazen and Perfect Jewel, but she gets a weight swing here, and a very good map in this race. Proven to run a 1400m, this small field will be a sit and spring affair, and I’m hoping that The Closer will take on Felicia in the lead, who is yet to run at this distance. She Shao Fly maps to camp right in behind them in 3rd, and can pounce in the straight when the top two begin to tire. Deserves to be closer to the others in the market. Selections: 6-4-1-8
Caulfield Cup tip – Each way #9 Finche $12.00/$3.60 at PlayUp & #17 Toffee Tongue $14.00/$4.20 at PlayUp
Randwick R6 #1 Deprive $2.80 at PlayUp – Second up here, the fresh effort last start when running 3rd behind Libertini and Classique Legend was enormous. Settled last in the run and gave them a massive start at the top of the straight, she rocketed home beaten only 4L by two horses who now go and contest The Everest. His second up stats are excellent, sticks to the 1200m now with added fitness is ideal, and is definitely better than the G3 grade he will be contesting here. Three wins from six attempts at this track and distance makes for very good reading, and he will be able to pick them up here. One of the bets of the day, very keen. Selections: 1-4-2-11
Randwick R7 The Everest #3 Classique Legend $5.00 at PlayUp – 6th in The Everest last year and was unlucky not to finish much closer, after having little room to work with in the straight… but I think he can take out this years edition and stamp himself as Australia’s best sprinter. Drawn perfectly in barrier 6, he will be able to park midfield with cover in a very good spot. K Mcevoy was very bullish on his chances during the week, declaring that he will be “very hard to beat” here. His first up win in the G2 Shorts was electric, and has excuses behind Libertini last start. Third up ready to peak, he gets all the favours in the run and can let down with that top level turn of foot he possesses. Selections: 3-7-10-12
