The G1 racing season in Victoria officially kicks off this weekend, with a blockbuster ten race program at Caulfield. the marathon card looks an absolute cracker of a day, with each race being very competitive, and the market reflecting those sentiments. There is also G3 racing at Rosehill, as the Sydney Spring carnival continues to roll on after a very strong start last week. Metropolitan racing also coming from Eagle Farm, Morphettville and Belmont… so with that being said let’s take a look at PlayUp form analyst Lewis Willoughby’s top five picks of the day.
And for more racing banter and previews, have a look at Lewis’ podcast “The Clerks of the Course”, which is brought to you by PlayUp!
Caulfield R2 #11 Express Pass $5.00 at PlayUp – Keen on the chances of Express Pass here, who has been kept fresh after a great win over Acumen at Bendigo. His fresh form is very hot, not missing a top three finish from four attempts, and he loves racing at the 1100m as proven by his unbeaten winning record from two attempts. A recent jump out to keep him ticking over was strong, trucking through the line under a strong hold. He is a horse that looks to have the qualities of a group level performer, so he is exceptionally suited in this bm78 event. Maps nicely midfield from barrier five, expect a bold showing. Selections: 11-1-14-15
Caulfield R7 #1 Tagaloa $3.80 at PlayUp – Resumes here for the first time as a 3yo, and is the reigning G1 Blue Diamond winner of last season. He comes here first up to the exact same track and distance as his big G1 win, and the two jump outs leading in have been outstanding. He won the latest one at Cranbourne over 1000m with a deadset leg in the air, showing that he hasn’t skipped a beat from his 2yo season. Top weight no worries, he is a very smart colt and should be too good for this field. Anything over $3 is a bet. Selections: 1-7-2-8
Caulfield R9 #9 Cascadian $10.00 at PlayUp & #11 Mystic Journey $9.00 at PlayUp – Having a two bet play on both these horses at double figures, as I feel they represent good value in the race. They are both second up here in this G1 event, and come off a fresh run in the G2 P B Lawrence. Cascadian was snagged back to last, and ran the best closing sectionals of the race to finish fourth. What adds more merit to that run was the fact that they went very slow in front, meaning it was near impossible for anything beyond midfield to win. Mystic Journey, on the other hand, was caught four deep no cover, and so i’m inclined to forgive her effort. Her second up stats are very strong, as is her record at the 1400m. Backing both to make a profit. Selections 9/11-7-13
Rosehill R5 #5 Peltzer $3.60 at PlayUp – Quietly confident that this extremely talented colt will resume his unbeaten career run here first up in this G3 San Domenico. All three victories last prep were extremely strong, and the form around his wins is top level 2yo form. 1100m here fresh should be ideal, and there is no concern about the drying track, even though his best win last prep was on a heavy 8. From barrier two he should be awarded every favour in the run, Mcevoy sticks aboard, and the 55kg is a blessing , getting 2.5kg off the top weight in Mamaragan. His current market quote looks generous, get on! Selections: 5-2-3-1
Rosehill R9 #3 Something Fast $8.00 at PlayUp – Think we are getting a good price for this gelding as he returns here for the start of his prep. He definitely lost his way a touch in two runs last prep in harder grade, and I think for that reason people have jumped off. Don’t forget, however, that two preps ago he was able to win two of his three starts, and won them very impressively as well. Three trials leading in have been encouraging, and he should be very fit and forward now. First up form is strong, and the proposition of a dry track is excellent, as all his five wins have come on good going. Drawn well in barrier three and will make his own luck up on speed. Selections: 3-8-1-7
