Might be an unpopular take, but I think the Aussie horses are pretty plain in the Caulfield Cup this year.
I’ll let the cat out of the bag early and say I’ll be having something on three international raiders and taking the locals on.
Sure, (2) Cosmic Crusader has had an excellent spring and a great lead-up to this. He was very good behind Birdman two starts ago at this track and then dominant last start in the Turnbull, which is always one of the best form races of the entire spring. That run suggested he’d get the 2400m, but it’s always a query until it’s done.
The other local with a leading chance (although not bred here) is (16) Zahrann. Two excellent runs to start the prep and then beaten 18.8L last start. Given what Maher’s horses are doing at the moment, you simply have to think he will find that previous form here.
I just struggle to see too many positives with the others. Happy to work with the visitors and have something on three of them at decent odds.
(7) Enfjaar – $13
He’s tactically versatile and I liked all three runs last prep. Beaten less than a length first-up in a Listed race and then midfield at Ascot in the Wolferton Stakes. His last start before travelling was over 2400m, where he recorded a strong win at Group 3 level.
Gate 1 is interesting and maybe not ideal for this type of horse. As long as the inside is OK, I still think he can win.
WATCH: Enfjaar win at Goodwood last start
(10) Wine Dark Sea – $9
He’s a genuine stayer and has won three of his last four. It was only a small field last time out, but he never looked like being beaten over the 2670m at Group 3 level. Dubai Honour was third in that race, and he gets Damian Lane here to help the cause.
Lightly raced, on the way up and just needs a good ride from the gate.
Check out the Caulfield Cup barrier draw HERE
(13) Starford – $21
He’s in the Joseph O’Brien yard and they know the right horses to bring. Lightly raced and has won four of 12 starts.
He won a Group 3 three starts back. Two starts ago he sat last and was never a hope. Showed a good turn of foot there and was strong through the line, although well beaten.
He was just OK last start but carried 63.5kg, so I’m happy to give him a pass mark there. Drops 10kg here and I just feel he looks well over the odds around $21–26.
My plays for an interest
Just going to split my bet three ways.
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(7) Enfjaar – $13
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(10) Wine Dark Sea – $9
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(13) Starford – $21
