Spring is heating up with elite Group 1 stars back in action at Caulfield and the next generation of sprinters stepping out at Rosehill. From classic 1400 m weight-for-age battles to 3YO speed clashes, here’s the lowdown on the must-watch races this weekend.
🏇 Caulfield R9 – Memsie Stakes (1400m, Group 1)
📝 Race Overview:
The first Victorian Group 1 of the season brings together established stars and up-and-comers. Mr Brightside and Fangirl are the proven topliners, but fresh faces add intrigue. With genuine tempo expected, positioning and fitness will be critical over the Caulfield 1400 m.
🔥 Best to Back Tip:
TREASURETHE MOMENT (Odds: ~$6.00)
⚡ “On a sharp upward trajectory and profiles perfectly for this trip. Maps to get the ideal run just off speed and looks ready to announce herself at Group 1 WFA level.”
💎 Best Value Bet:
HERE TO SHOCK (Odds: ~$18.00)
💥 “Closed well for third in the PB Lawrence and strips fitter second-up. At double-figure odds, he’s looks a nice E/W play”
🏇 Caulfield R8 – Evergreen Turf Cockram Stakes (1200m, Group 3)
📝 Race Overview:
The Cockram Stakes shapes as a deep mares’ sprint, mixing proven Group 1 performers with emerging talent. Magic Time is the established class runner, resuming with fitness on her side. Manaal and Miss Roumbini add further strength. Rising sprinters like Pop Award and Gerringong give the race real depth.
🔥 Best to Back Tip:
MISS ROUMBINI (Odds: ~$6)
⚡ “Trialled impressively and already a winner here on soft ground. Maps for a midfield trail and looks set to launch late. Ready to stamp herself at this level.”
💎 Best Value Bet:
GEEGEES MISTRUTH (Odds: ~$19)
💥 “Tassie mare who excels fresh and loves soft going. At double-figure odds, she’s the value play who can surprise if the breaks come.”
🏇 Caulfield R6 – Ive > McNeil Stakes (1200m, Group 3 for 3YOs)
📝 Race Overview:
A strong crop of 3YOs line up in this year’s McNeil Stakes, with genuine spring contenders emerging. Vinrock is unbeaten (3 from 3) and looks a natural on-pacer. Stable star Jimmy Recard has shown brilliance but needs to bounce back second-up. The Hayes-trained Tycoon Star is on the improve, while Express Class comes off a determined maiden win and flew home last start.
🔥 Best to Back Tip:
TYCOON STAR (Odds: ~$5.5)
⚡ “From a leading yard and looks to be peaking at the right time. Strong effort last start suggests he’s ready to stamp himself in group company.”
💎 Best Value Bet:
EXPRESS CLASS (Odds: ~$11)
💥 “Lightly raced improver who hit the line strongly last start. With natural progression, he’s the blowout chance at odds.”
🏇 Rosehill R8 – Smithfield RSL San Domenico Stakes (1100m, Group 3)
📝 Race Overview:
A high-class line-up of 3YOs clash in the San Domenico — often a springboard to the Golden Rose. Beiwacht was a dominant Silver Slipper winner before luck deserted him in two subsequent runs; he’s trialled strongly and looks a big improver. Raging Force returned from a Breeders Plate defeat to string together three dominant winter wins, stamping himself as a stakes horse in the making. Wodeton, a colt with hype from last season, gets the chance to recapture his early reputation, while Rivellino was in flying form last and maps as a serious late closer.
🔥 Best to Back Tip:
RAGING FORCE (Odds: ~$2.3)
⚡ “Put away three straight with authority last prep and shapes as the colt to beat. Maps for a soft run just off the speed and looks ready to graduate to Group success.”
💎 Best Value Bet:
BEIWACHT (Odds: ~$14)
💥 “Underrated colt who’s already shown genuine class with his Silver Slipper win. Trialled up beautifully and can improve sharply now as a 3YO. A knockout chance at value.”
🏇 Rosehill R6 – Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL Up And Coming Stakes (1300m, Group 3)
📝 Race Overview:
A cracking line-up of progressive 3YOs headlines the Up And Coming. Providence remains a maiden after three starts but was last seen running a strong 4th in the G1 JJ Atkins and has trialled up smartly for his return with James McDonald taking the ride. Aerodrome won his first two starts before a luckless Queensland trip, and he’s been sharpened with three trials leading in — looks ready to pick up where he left off. Fermoy strips fitter after resuming over this track and trip, while Grand Prairie has been ultra-consistent and maps to enjoy a soft run from a low draw.
🔥 Best to Back Tip:
AERODROME (Odds: ~$4.60)
⚡ “A dual winner early in his prep and trialled up a treat ahead of this. Classy, versatile colt who looks perfectly placed to strike fresh.”
💎 Best Value Bet:
GRAND PRAIRIE (Odds: ~$6.5)
💥 “Honest type with 4 top-two finishes from 5 starts. From a soft draw, he’s the one who could stalk the speed and add value to exotics.”
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