G1 day of racing from Melbourne, with the running of the Thousand Guineas at the top level the feature of the afternoon. See the PlayUp form expert selections below.
Caulfield R1#7 Powerful Eagle $11.00 at PlayUp – Think this Moody runner is progressing very nicely, coming off a strong Pakenham Synthetic maiden win first up. He sat outside the lead on that occasion and proved too strong, which is impressive seeing that the majority of winners on that track are coming from behind midfield and swooping. He ran third to Berkeley Square last prep beaten under 2L, and that horse should be a G1 winner at this point if not for bad luck. Second up here, fitter, and will go straight to the front.
Caulfield R5 #13 Jolting $23.00 at PlayUp – Cannot believe the price about this runner, who is just in flying form this prep and racing better than ever. There is no question that he should’ve won last start in a competitive race at The Valley, only beaten by some bad luck on the turn. He managed to win three on the bounce earlier this prep in very dominant style, and has a very good strike rate over 1400m. The wide draw is no concern, as he will be getting back anyway, and he has some seriously good form lines in comparison to the field.
Caulfield R6 #7 Munhamek $4.60 at PlayUp – Very keen to back this Nick Ryan galloper, who was impressive winning on Aus debut last start at this same track and distance. He got back in running that day, and was not helped by a slow tempo in front. Still managed to score nicely with a meeting fastest last 200m split, and a last 400m time that was some 5.5L quicker than class average. Second up now, and definitely has the scope for further improvement seeing he was first up off a lengthy spell last run. Drawn awkwardly, but like the previous tip will be getting back anyway.
Warwick Farm R6 #7 Va Via $4.80 at PlayUp – This Godolphin runner was heavily backed in the market at her last start, when finishing 3rd behind Joyful Fortune down the Flemington straight. That winner now lines up in the Everest on Saturday, albeit at a big price, but goes to show the arguable strength of that Flemington form line. The good money that day tells me she is working extremely well, and perhaps is in search of a drying track. With no rain through Monday or Tuesday, this heavy surface could quickly be on the improve and suiting Va Via. Maps to lead from barrier one and should be giving a big sight now deep into the prep.
