Almanac Racing- Underwood Stakes

After Underwood Stakes Day punters have generally sorted their priorities for the major Spring prizes. That is not to say that priorities can’t change radically over the forthcoming weeks, but if the shorties salute tomorrow, the favs for the Guineas, both Cups and the Plate will be entrenched.

The next race day here at the Heath is the best for the year – Caulfield Guineas Day; and if Toorak Toff wins as expected tomorrow he will be raging favorite for the marquee event. There are some promising horses in the race, some with wet track failures, but The Toff’s form stacks up very well.

On the following Saturday the Caulfield Cup, always a keen betting race, will be staged and if Moudre wins again tomorrow, in the Naturalism, he will clearly head betting.

The Spring Carnival then heads to Moonee Ponds and So You Think, short priced in the Underwood (Gr1, R6) tomorrow, looks the goods to defend his “WFA Champion of Australia” mantle. Some pundits are wary of taking cramped odds in this event, knowing Bart’s propensity to set horses simply for a target race. But he is so highly rated he should win. Last year’s winner, Heart of Dreams, has firmed but, if you want to back something to topple the champ, I’d suggest Metal Bender, though I’m wary of Sydneysiders first time around here. Top of the big Cup’s market, Shocking, also has a run in this unsuitable race and he’ll be closely monitored.

So, with an eye to the future, we’ll be seeing how the early feature markets stack up and keeping off the punt for the time being.

The other Group One on the card, the Rupert Clarke (1400m, R7) is a more even race and worth looking for value. Doubtful Jack has been devastating on wet tracks at Flemington, but it will be different here. Freedman’s horses are not firing but I’m interested in Electromotive E/W at cricket score odds.

Another interesting race is the Open Sprint (R3) in which Here De Angels has 61kgs and is still the one to beat back on top of the ground and able to camp on Uxorious and Avenue’s frantic speed. Look for Life to the Full (2) to be steaming home.

Watch the Thousand Guineas Prelude (R5) with interest. Ringa Ringa Rosie looks a beauty but is first time around here. Willow Creek must go in multiples.

Use a dart board for the last.

Sydney also has good fields so be sure to find replays if you can’t get to Caulfield tomorrow.

I still think this meeting should be on the Sunday – there can never be a Sunday AFL Prelim but they will play Saturday arvo if an interstate side is involved. Nevertheless, it is a great teaser for the banquet to follow.

A reminder that Group One Night racing will be at Moonee Valley on GF eve and I’ll be in position to welcome anyone who comes out for a great night’s entertainment.

Comments

  1. Early late mail! Tip for Select in R2 from a fair source. I worry about imports at Caulfield but it is good odds.
    Elvis?

  2. I like the following at Caulfield
    R5 – Willow Creek
    R6 – Heart of Dreams – each way forever
    R7 – Gold Salute
    R8 – Sterling Prince (E/W) – also wary of Valdemoro
    R9 – Majestic Music

    I know they avoid having a metrop meeting on Grand Final day but this year they could make an exception so the rest of us can be blissfully unaware of Collingwood’s premiership cakewalk.

  3. …as Fef has pointed out, the Show could have been a good Grand Final Day diversion but, now Collingwood’s playing, who is going to operate the rides?

  4. I’ll need to update my PC security as it appears someone has entered tips on my behalf!

    Not even a placegetter in 5 tips!!

  5. Mark Freeman says

    Swung past Turfbet stand today but as I half expected Crio, you were clearly preparing for tonight’s big game. I went Fri night, because of no contest, spent night in bar and all morning reacquanting myself with previous evening’s intake. Very poor form. Only got to see Underwood after recovery – amazing horse Bart’s boy.

  6. Not selected today Freeza. Even Will Minson gets a run before me. Punt is awful here and footy worse. I’ll be rostered on every meeting from here. So You Think must be a class above…plenty of knockers yet evens to 2s on and won in a canter. Not a great field but he’ll not meet much better other than Kav’s horse and vet.

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