Caulfield Racing Preview – August 17

The Rail is out +9m and there is rain forecast on race day which always makes it tricky for punters.

Race 1 – BM84 Handicap Mares (1100 METRES)

#8 Sunset Dreaming

The Mare for Team McEvoy looks a good way to kick off the program at The Heath. I loved the way she hit the line LS this track/trip, home in the FL200m of the meeting and was only just held out by an in form HERBERT PARK and a resuming KUNDALINI. She will get back in the run, however there is plenty of speed in the race and she will be strong late.

Race 2 – BM100 Handicap (1600 METRES)

#7 Rise At Dawn

A good winner LS at Flemington when stepping into open company. Looks well placed again at peak fitness with just 53kg. He’s as honest as the day is long, will likely tuck in behind old speedy KEATS and if he can hold his form deep into the prep will be mighty hard to beat.

Race 5 – G3 Vain Stakes C&G (1100 METRES)

#5 Band of Brothers

This year’s edition of the Vein Stakes hosts a fairly depleted field that looks to lack the genuine star factor of previous instalments. I think Matty Ellerton’s 3YO by Omaha Beach represents terrific value. He was a good winner two back over this trip before tiring late LS against the exciting PUBLIC ATTENTION and subsequent winner NDOLA. Tactics always play a big part in these small fields, Damien Lane will look to be positive and utilise his fitness.

Race 6 – G3 Quezette Stakes Fillies (1100 METRES)

#5 Kuroyanagi

All signs suggest that Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea’s star filly is set for a standout spring. I was impressed by her performance in the Lightning Stakes, where, despite coming off an average trial, she showed good determination after covering extra ground, only to be narrowly beaten late. She’s bound to improve significantly from that run, has run well at the track, and with Jamie Kah aboard, she will get a super run in behind the speed.

Race 8 – G2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes WFA (1400 METRES)

#3 Aegon

He finished 3rd in this race last year behind MR BRIGHTSIDE at decent odds and returns this time with a strong chance of landing in the top 3 again. Last preparation, he performed well in his only run, finishing between LA CRIQUE and DESERT LIGHTNING at G1 level in New Zealand. He’s had two trials at home since, with the second one being behind LEGARTO over 900m, where he was pushed and asked for an effort on a bottomless deck.

Race 9 – BM84 Handicap (1400 METRES)

#16 Elouyou

Big winner LS at Rosehill Gardens on the heavy going courtesy of a positive steer by Jason Collett. He’s had a 7 week freshen up since that win and has J/O nicely at Flemington. Drawn well in 4 and handles all conditions. Nice way to close out the card.

Best Bet – R2 #7 Rise at Dawn

Best Value – R5 #5 Band of Brothers

Roughie – R8 #3 Aegon