A huge day of dual Group 1 action comes up this Saturday, and for the first time in Spring we get to see some top level gallopers going around in more than one state. Caulfield plays host to G1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, and there is also a free ticket into the Caulfield Cup for whoever is able to win the MRC Foundation Cup in race 5. Meanwhile at Randwick, it is G1 George Main Stakes day, a race which was famously won three times in a row by the wonder mare Winx, but last years winner Avilius is back to try and retain the crown again in 2020. A number of Everest hopefuls also step out in the G2 Shorts, and look to book their spot with an impressive win. There is black type racing at Morphettville, while the Gold Coast and Belmont round out the others venues. Take a look at PlayUp form analyst Lewis Willoughby’s best bets.
Caulfield R2 #5 Groundswell $5.00 at PlayUp – First up here off the back of three solid jump outs, winning the latest one at Flemington over 800m really impressively. He ran the quickest time of the morning there, and was dominant through the line by an extending margin. He should be very fit and forward off all this work, and he has won fresh previously as well. Important to remember that Groundswell is Group1 placed behind Alligator Blood, and now returns as a gelding to a low bm78 event. This race looks to be a genuinely run 1200m event, which will definitely suit him as he looks for longer in time. Can’t believe the price. Selections: 5-6-7-11
Caulfield R4 #7 Front Page $2.90 at PlayUp – The current Kosciuszko race favourite returns here to start a campaign that will ultimately end in that race. Although he hasn’t had any official jump outs or trials leading into this race, it’s safe to assume that trainer Geoff Duryea would have kept him right up on the mark seeing that his grand final race is only four weeks away. Before the spell, his win down the straight at listed level was simply outstanding, and I love the way he was able to accelerate at the push of a button. Carries only 54kg after the claim here, which is 2kg below his nearest rival, and looks perfectly placed at 1100m. Selections: 7-6-2-3
Caulfield R6 #12 Hindaam $12.00 at PlayUp – Want to be having something each way on Hindaam here. Comes off a maiden win last start at Pakenham Synthetic, which doesn’t sound great at first, but it managed to win that maiden by 5L completely untouched. The time it ran as well was actually quite strong, especially considering that the jockey did not even move on the horse to get it over the line. Out to 1400m should be no issue, and it will have taken some confidence and improvement off the first up win. It looks to find a great spot in running from barrier 7, and should be able to pinch a break on the favourite Mozzie Monster who is likely to be back behind midfield. Selections: 12-4-2-6
Randwick R4 #3 Hungry Heart $2.00 at PlayUp – Second up here, and lost absolutely no admirers last start when running second behind Dame Giselle at Randwick in the G2 Furious Stakes. That was over 1200m, and she was able to find the line very strongly but just ran out of time in the end. Second up now fitter, and was a winner last prep second up as well. Out to 1400m should be ideal, and she gets a great run in behind the speed from barrier three. Although there is no weight swing on the last start winner Dame Giselle, i’m tipping that with the extra 200m in distance she will be able to mow them all down, and pull away through the line. Anything above even money looks a great bet. Selections: 3-1-8-10
Randwick R5 #5 Probabeel $3.10 at PlayUp – Very keen on Probabeel here in the G3 Bill Ritchie, and she comes off an excellent return last start over 1200m at Randwick. Back in the field and didn’t look much of a hope at the top of the straight, she absolutely rocketed home inside the last 200m and went extremely close to winning. Quick break between runs, but has been kept up to the mark with a quiet Randwick trial, her second up form is excellent and she is a winner at the track and distance as well. I think she looks perfectly placed here in this race, and i’m confident she has come back this prep in outstanding order. Selections: 5-4-7-8
