Author: Melbourne Racing Club

If you check out the honour role for this race, you will see how strong it is. It includes Black Caviar (her only win over 1200m), Redoute’s Choice, Vo Rogue, Let’s Elope, Saintly and Lohnro to name a few. Outside of the Group 1 glory, just about every race on the card is Group level, making it one of the great race days in Australia. By the way, check out Race 6 (3.10pm) in Sydney if you get a chance. How can you not watch Winx? Anyway, let’s find you a winner!

12.30pm R1 – thebigscreencompany.com.au Hcp (1800m HCP)

Overview: Good race for the stayers to kick off. We see a few returning to the track, including Signoff, Second Bullet and De Little Engine, all Group level performed horses of the Spring. Nozomi and Hipparchus come into this on the back of strong wins, with the latter beating a field that included a few of these. O’Lonera is second up after a solid run over 1500m and will appreciate the extra trip. Refulgent rarely seems to run a bad race and was good to the line here over 1700m on Aus. Day (3^rd), in a race that also included Our Bottino, who tried to lead and run away from them, just peaking late. Up to 1800m?

Caulfield Call Out Says: De Little Engine 1^st, Refulgent 2^nd, O’Lonera 3^rd.

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1.05pm R2 – Hyland Race Colours Autumn Stakes (Group 2 1400m 3YO)

Fast Facts: First run in 1979 and Group 2 since 2008

History Tells Us:

• Look for value – only two of the last six winners were favourite
• Only six females have won the race since it began
• Match practice helps – only one of the last 12 winners was ‘first up’
• Odd stat – two of the last three winners have had the same saddle cloth and barrier number
• The winner based on ‘History Tells Us’ – Peacock

Overview: Sydneysider, Attention, is sure to have a lot based on his 2YO career (Group 2 winner). He comes into this after an average first up run against the older horses in Sydney. Second up and 1400m suits. Peacock found himself in a deep Group 1 first up and didn’t disgrace himself behind some smart older horses. He won a strong Group race here over this trip in Spring so is a big hope. Oak Door is deep into his Summer campaign and in great form. Has he got one left in him? If he does, look for him trying to hold them off up front.  Snitzon hit the line strongly last start over this trip, albeit in a weaker grade, but is a horse on the up and is a key player. Caulfield local, Ruthven, returns to the track after a stellar Spring that included Group 2 2^nd.

Looking for Value? Knowable does jump right up in grade, but beat a smart field last start over this distance.

Caulfield Call Out Says: Attention 1^st, Oak Door 2^nd, Knowable 3^rd.

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1.40pm R3 – Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Prelude (Group 2 1100m 2YOF)

Overview: The girl’s Prelude is a cracker! Hard not to love Catchy. The form out of her two winning races has been outstanding, with horses she has beaten in her first two starts winning since. She looks like a star! Tulip has also been impressive. She won well on debut and just missed late here in the Diamond preview over 1000m. 1100 will be perfect for her. Limestone smashed Black Caviar’s daughter on debut and then backed it up with a strong win in the Diamond preview here. Can she go on again here? Roomooz and Blondie jump sharply in grade but did win their Maidens strongly, while the promising Jorda is first up after her strong debut win in Sydney in the Spring. Artic Angel had a great Spring campaign and won a trial leading into this, so is certainly not without a hope.

Looking for Value? Zarpoya debuted in a strong race in the Spring (Listed grade 3^rd) and then really hit the line well first up over 1000m. She looks promising and comes in at a nice price here.

Caulfield Call Out Says: Catchy (Best of the Day!) 1^st, Tulip 2^nd, Jorda 3^rd.

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2.15pm R4 – Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Prelude (Group 3 1100m 2YOC&G)

Overview: Lots of chances here. Pariah deserves being in the market here after his impressive debut win in Sydney over a strong field. He looks promising. Cao Cao stepped out as an early 2YO in the Spring and impressed in his two runs, including a strong 3L win 2^nd up. The impeccably bred colt has been training strongly and is in this. Property comes into this on the back of an ultra-impressive Diamond preview win here two weeks ago. He ranged up and won easily after his debut 2^nd placing behind the promising filly Catchy. Also out of that preview was Indernile, who absolutely flew late to just miss. Up to 1100m looks ideal. Marsupial is another impressive Sydneysider that dominated in his maiden win and Overshare is sure to be an improver after his debut run in the Preview, where he was forward and just peaked late. Azazel was strong late in the Preview and is another likely improver. He ran well in some early Spring 2YO races in the Spring. Wait For No One will set a cracking pace and may take some chasing.

Looking for Value? Going to go wide here with Will’s Bid. This is a huge jump in grade, but you must respect this stable and they have placed him on ice since his dominant debut win in December. Could be a blowout!

Caulfield Call Out Says: Cao Cao 1^st, Property 2^nd, Indernile 3^rd.

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2.50pm R5 – Kevin Hayes Stakes (Group 3 1200m 3YOF)

Overview: Jennifer Lynn is proven in stronger grade, narrowly missing in a 1600m Group 2 in Spring. Her first up run was sound and 1200m, second up will suit. Hard not to love the Summer form of Fuhryk. She strung together three impressive lower grade wins, before getting a bit lost on the straight course. Deserves a shot at Group level. Selenia seems to always be thereabouts in this grade, so is a chance. Navagio won impressively first up against a field that included a few of these so has to be admired, as does Princess Of Queens, who jumps sharply in grade but was super impressive winning here last start. Zunbaqa was only 1L off in a hot 1400m Listed race in the Spring so is up to these on her day. The lightly raced, Oregon’s Day won a Listed race here last Autumn so is up to this grade.

Looking for value? Facts jumps from Maiden class to a Group 3 here, but it is hard not to be impressed by her maiden win where she won with ease over 1000m.

Caulfield Call Out Says: Jennifer Lynn 1^st, Fuhryk 2^nd, Princess Of Queens 3^rd.

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3.25pm R6 – Schweppes Rubiton Stakes (Group 2 1200m)

Fast Facts: First run in 1989, elevated to Group 2 in 2014 and recent winners include Chautauqua and Lankan Rupee

History Tells Us:

• Favourites rule – four of last five winners were favourite
• Male domination – 16 of last 17 winners were Male
• Smaller numbers are big – 16 of the last 17 winners were numbered one to four
• Odd stats – ‘A’ was in the name of last 10 winners and the winner has come from barrier three in three of last four
• The winner based on ‘History Tells Us’ – Chautauqua

Overview: The Group 1 star, Chautauqua, is back. He appeared flat during his 2-start Spring campaign, but you can hold a champion down and he is sure to bounce back here. He won this race almost two years to the day and many will be hoping he scores again here. Hellbent jumped out a short priced favourite 1^st up and found the 1000m a little sharp. Second up and 1200m should see him at his best and he must the big danger to the grey flash. El Divino really caught the eye first up over 1000m (actually beat Hellbent) and should thrive over this trip second up. Wild Rain is also first up here and was on the heels of Sheidel last start. She is ok first up but is up to this field on her day. I Am A Star finished off her Spring preparation with a Group 1 win. She has a good record over this trip and first up and is a sneaky chance. Fast ‘N’ Rocking does like this track so might be a sneaky chance first up.

Looking for Value? Super Cash was sound in three hot Group races in the Spring and has never missed the top three first up. She looks like great value!

Caulfield Call Out Says: Chautauqua 1^st, El Divino 2^nd, Hellbent 3^rd.

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4.05pm R7 – Ladbrokes CF Orr Stakes (1400m Group 1 3YO+)

Fast Facts: First run in 1925 and Group 1 since 1993

History Tells Us:

• Follow the money – six of the last seven winners were favourite
• Gender is no guide – four of the last eight winners were female, four were male
• Be fresh – eight of the last 14 winners were ‘first up’ after a spell with the other seven being ‘second up’
• Odd stats – five of last seven winning jockeys were named Luke and barrier eight or 10 hasn’t won in 30+ years
• The winner based on ‘History Tells Us’ – Malaguerra

Overview: Malaguerra has come back from his spell in stunning fashion, smashing a strong Group 1 field last start and looks hard to beat. Black Heart Bart had to spend most of the Spring checking out Winx’s behind, but he looked to have come back in top condition with a strong 2^nd last start over 1200m behind Malaguerra. He has only missed the top two once in 11 starts over 1400m so can’t be dismissed! Lucky Hussler is a Group 1 performed horse that comes back onto a track and distance he loves so is in the hunt. Divine Prophet won the Caulfield Guineas with a super finish in his last start and will be looking to pick up where he left off. Ecuador brings some sound Summer form down from Sydney and loves this distance, while He’s Our Rokki knows how to win a Group 1 here and seems to race strongly first up so must be considered. Turn Me Loose hasn’t quite hit his straps is Australia, but his 2^nd up record can’t be ignored. Awesome Rock may be looking for further and if the real Palentino turns up, look out!

Looking for Value? Whilst you may think she is looking for further after her stunning 2016 Caulfield Cup win, Jameka may surprise here. Her record over this distance is good and she often runs well fresh.

Caulfield Call Out Says: Malaguerra 1^st, Black Heart Bart 2^nd, He’s Our Rokki 3^rd.

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4.45pm R8 – TS Carlyon Cup (Group 3 1600m 4YO+)

Overview: Great Group 3 race. Tally gets a great chance back in grade here first up. He was good up against some stars in the Spring, including a 3^rd behind Hartnell/Jameka in October. May find this a little short, but is classy on his day. Real Love is certainly one of the class runners in this field. She wasn’t far off in the Caulfield Cup in the Spring and comes into this after a strong first up run over 1400m here behind Grande Rosso (1L 5^th). Burning Front is the horse you would just love to own. He always tries his heart out and rarely runs poorly. Loves this track/distance and is right in this. Grande Rosso has been the surprise packet of the Summer stringing some super wins together, including here last start over 1400m. Seems to love this track! Ex-NZ horse Humidor seems to be taking his time to find his straps here, but 3^rd up and under the guidance of Weir, puts the Group 1 2^nd place getter amongst the chances. Tonopah was good late behind Grande Rosso last start, just missing late. Up to 1600m will suit him.

Looking For Value? Divine Mr. Artie rises in grade here, but has been running well all Summer and is another runner that was strong late last start over 1400m so is in this.

Caulfield Call Out Says: Real Love 1^st, Tally 2^nd, Grande Rosso 3^rd.

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5.25pm R9 – MyPunter.com Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (Group 3 1200m 4YO+M)

Overview: Silent Sedition finds herself the best rated horse here and rightly so. She never missed the top three in this grade across the Spring. She also has a super first up record and looks well placed here. Ameristralia comes up in grade for this, but has been super this Summer, winning her last run in dominant fashion. Abbey Marie may be looking for longer, but it’s hard to ignore an undefeated runner, especially a Group 1 winner. Thames Court seems to always be there abouts in this grade and is super first up, while fellow first up runner, Alaskan Rose wasn’t far off in this grade throughout the Spring. Prussian Vixen jumps in grade, but is having a hot summer and is sure to be the one to chase down. Rocket Commander may be looking for further, but was strong in this grade throughout Spring (including two 2nds) so might bob up at odds.

Looking For Value? Little Indian finds herself back at Caulfield after a long absence. She has had a great Summer in lower grades and boasts an explosive finish. Late in the day, that might suit!

Caulfield Call Out Says: Silent Sedition 1^st, Ameristralia 2^nd, Alaskan Rose 3^rd.

2016 has seen tremendous change, and with it, noteworthy growth across many aspects of our business, which I’ll outline below.

Spring Racing Carnival Review

Back in October I labelled our 2016 BMW Caulfield Cup Carnival “the most successful Caulfield Cup Carnival in a decade” and all subsequent reports, feedback and data have confirmed that assertion.

As we have come to expect, the racing was first class, and Jameka, Ciaron Maher’s Caulfield-trained mare, winning the BMW Caulfield Cup capped off this great carnival.

We saw attendance, at-home and online viewership up on last year, with social engagement across the carnival growing five times from last year, as well as increased total wagering turnover. Our new precincts around the course were fantastically received, particularly the Crown Young Members marquee and the David Jones Fashion Stable which saw 3 times the participation compared to last year.

Overall satisfaction from you, our members, was high across the board, particularly in relation to the quality of the field on racedays, presentation of the venue and atmosphere/ crowd numbers.  Where need for improvement has been noted, specifically in crowding levels in the members areas and Medallion Bar, the club has committed to addressing these issues over the coming months.

We have also recently taken the exciting step of foraying into the business of distributing our racing vision to international markets directly. This means, for the first time, we are collecting 100% of the associated revenue in an area we view as a significant opportunity.

Members’ Update

The Club’s membership base continues to enjoy year on year growth, seeing us with a 10% lead on memberships compared to same time last year. This growth can be put down to the fantastic efforts of the membership team and us striving to create more value and better experiences for our members, including:

• The recent refurbishment to the concourse area in the Rupert Clarke Grandstand, with new carpet, furniture and lighting throughout
• Pegasus Rewards being rolled out to Mornington and Ladbrokes Park with even more ways to redeem and use points
• Exclusive behind the scenes member experiences available in conjunction with the recent launch of our new member rewards program – Pegasus Rewards
• Exclusive, Member offers for our owned events including Splashland, Gourmet Cinema and The Peninsula Picnic
• The upcoming development of the Hiskens Grandstand Bar as a new Members facility to open in 2017
• The establishment of a members sub-committee with strong representation across all membership demographics to ensure a greater voice for all of our members at the club

As part of the new and improved member communications focus, we will also be holding two scheduled member forums next year, and have installed a new online member feedback form to ensure more direct, and transparent communication channels between us.

MRC Foundation

The MRC Foundation has achieved some big wins over the past year, including facilitating our first intake of students into the Female Track Rider Scholarship at Melbourne Polytechnic.

We have also begun planning for the external facilities upgrade at Mornington, thanks to the hefty $150,000 donation to support Riding for the Disabled Mornington, which is a result of a $50,000 equal commitments from the Committee of Management for the Mornington Racecourse, the MRC Foundation, and Racing Victoria.

We have an exciting upcoming calendar of activities relating to the MRC Foundation, with the marquee Blue Diamond Gala Ball fast approaching in February 2017.

Gontran Cherrier

Gontran Cherrier, our French bakery, launched in Collingwood mid-year and I’d encourage you to sample some of its fantastic French products at the MRC Members discounted rate. We are focused on growing the business through wholesaling many items as well as looking at future stores. Members will see more of Gontran Cherrier products throughout all our racecourses, pub venues and events in 2017

Glasshouse refurbishment

Renovations have finished at Caulfield’s Glasshouse which I think we can all agree has made a big difference to the aesthetic and atmosphere of the venue.

The site now boasts contemporary state-of-the-art facilities, with a stylish new family bistro, a modern wine and tapas bar, multi-purpose function space, sports bar, alfresco style dining area and interactive kids zone.

The Glasshouse team look forward to welcoming you soon.

Looking ahead to 2017

With a calendar stacked with racing and non-racing events well into next autumn, we have had little time to rest on our Spring Carnival laurels.

Summer sees our second biggest season of quality racing, with 24 dates across our three racecourses, including hallmark dates Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Australia Day Races. The Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes, set for February 25, has enjoyed a record number of acceptances, with 686 horses currently in contention and the kids favourite, Family Day, is back bigger and better on February 13.

Upcoming Non Racing Events

As members you always receive exclusive offers for our owned events. With four major events coming up over the coming months, we encourage you all to take advantage of these offers, with our regards.

Many of you will have heard about our new summer family event, Splashland, popping up at Mornington and Caulfield in December and January. An inflatable waterslide park for kids, Splashland is part of our ongoing effort to expand upon our family and kids offering and will be a fantastic event for parents and kids alike. Ticket sales are doing well, and when the warmer weather finally does decide to hit, we are looking forward to some sellout days!

March and April will see the return of two of our most popular non-racing events Gourmet Cinema and The Peninsula Picnic. Outside of racing, these events allow us to showcase our other finest assets, our wonderful venues, and our outstanding expertise in food and beverage. Tickets are currently on sale for The Peninsula Picnic, scheduled for April 1 (on a Saturday for the first time), with the Gourmet Cinema season and tickets to be launched later in January.

The MRC Foundation is ramping up for their biggest fundraiser of the year, the Blue Diamond Gala on February 23. The Gala is always a very special event on our calendar, a chance for us to celebrate our achievements and charity partners, and shine a light on this important part of the business. If you have not already RSVPd to this event, I highly recommend that you do so, it really will be one of our best events of the year.

As you can see, the MRC will be in full swing across the festive season, with some exciting projects in the pipeline and some outstanding activities for our members. We encourage all of members to take part in as many of our upcoming events and offers as possible, and as always, welcome all and any feedback on your experiences either via our new online feedback form, or directly to myself or any of the Committee.

On behalf of the Committee, Executive team and staff of the Melbourne Racing Club, we would like to wish all of our members are very Merry and Safe Christmas and look forward to seeing you in 2017.

Mike Symons
Chairman
Melbourne Racing Club

Preview by @timbguille

Nestled deep in the south-eastern suburbs, Sandown may not have the profile of its three Metropolitan ‘cousins’, but its feature day of the Melbourne Spring Carnival is a classic. With all ‘black type’ races on a ten race card, including five Group races, it is a day that rivals many of Melbourne’s feature race days. Not many people would know that racing actually began here in 1888, on a privately owned track, known as Oakleigh Park Racecourse. The track was closed in 1931 and reopened as it is today in 1965. Let’s take a look at a cracking day of racing.

R1 Thoroughbred Club Merson Cooper Stakes (Listed 2YO 1000m) We kick the day off with a great race for the 2YOs. Of those that have started, SA visitor Mikuni was strong on debut (2^nd) and looks hard to beat, Artic Angel wasn’t far off a strong field on debut and Explicitly comes out of a fast 2YO race back in October and has trialled ok since then (2^nd). Of the newbies, Herrera, Vinland and My Mother Says all looked strong winning their respective trials and Fully Maxed was just on the heels of Explicitly in that trial so has some form reference. For the rest, best to watch betting! Sandown Sound Out Says: Mikuni 1^st/Artic Angel 2^nd/My Mother Says 3^rd

R2 Yarramalong Racing Club Stakes (Group 3 1500m) Small field yet a strong race. Royal Rapture was in stunning form early in Spring before trying his luck at Group 1 level and was certainly not disgraced. Hard not to like him back in this grade. Ex-Hong Kong runner Redkirk Warrior showed real promise in his first Aussie start, just missing late over 1200m. Up to 1500m and in this grade will suit. Soveriegn Nation does jump in grade, but was good behind a smart gallope and is well weighted/drawn here. Stratum Star is a proven Group 1 performer that cant be discounted in this grade and Slightly Sweet has drawn a tricky gate, but is a much better horse than her form suggests. Sandown Sound Out Says: Royal Rapture 1^st/ Redkirk Warrior 2^nd/ Sovereign Nation 3^rd.

R3 Ladbrokes Sandown Cup (Listed 3200m) One of the few 3200m black type races in Australia with a good field. Really hard to go past Qewy. He was strong winning the Geelong Cup (form race of the Spring!) before his gallant 4^th placing in the Melbourne Cup. De Little Engine comes back in grade here after a couple of solid performances in Group class over the Melbourne Cup carnival. He was really good late behind Jameka in the Caulfield Cup so 3200m looks ideal now. Murphy’s Delight has a great record over this trip and hit the line well over 2800m last start suggesting he is ready. Bring Something is having his first go over this trip, but definitely showed he wanted further in a solid run over 2400m last start so could bob up at odds. Four Carat is likely to be an improver over 3200m and All I Survey comes out of that hot Geelong Cup so might be a player at odds. Sandown Sound Out Says: Qewy 1^st/De Little Engine 2^nd/ Murphy’s Delight 3^rd.

R4 OTI Racing Doveton Stakes (Listed 1000m) Good little sprint race with a host of chances. O’Malley was super impressive in winning last start so is the top pick. Vezalay’s last start 15^th wont jump off the page at you, but it was up the Flemington straight (only 4L off) which didn’t suit her. Based on her run prior, she is right in this. Jungle Edge will be the likely leader here and wasn’t far off O’Malley last start so is amongst the chances. Brockhoff is a likely improver 2^nd up and down in weight, while Husson Eagle has an impressive record 1^st up and has trialled ok. Sandown Sound Out Says: O’Malley 1^st/Vezalay 2^nd/ Jungle Edge 3rd

R5 City Of Greater Dandenong Stakes (Listed 3YOF 1400m) Strong race for the 3YO girls here with lots of chances. Prompt Resposne looks hard to beat. She has been really good her last two starts (both 2^nd) in this grade, beaten on the line both times. Petition is still a maiden, but was super behind an in-form mare last start (who has won again since) so is hard to ignore. Hear The Chant got a little lost up the Flemington straight last start after a sound win at Caufield in Group 3 level prior. Up to 1400m should suit her. Want To Rock jumps sharply in grade after her last start win, but the horse she beat nearly won a Listed race next start so the form has held up. Moonlites Choice faces a huge jump in grade, but how can you ignore an undefeated Darren Weir filly? Sandown Sound Out Says: Prompt Response 1^st/ Petition 2^nd/Hear The Chant 3^rd

R6 William Hill Sandown Guineas (Group 2 1600m 3YO)

Fast Facts:

• First held at Caulfield in 1959 for 3YO fillies and always Group 2
• Moved to Sandown and 3YO unrestricted class in 1968

History Says:

• Winner winner – 11 out of last 17 winners won their last start
• Only five fillies have won out of last 30
• Only eight of last 30 winners started over $10 (10 winners were favourite)
• If history is right, winner is Ruthven

Jennifer Lynn has been impressive winning her last three, including a dominnat Listed grade win last start over 1400m. 1600m will really suit her.  It’s hard not to be impressed by Ruthven’s career to date with 2 strong wins. He is jumping in grade, but looks promising. Benz appeared to peak a little late over 1400m, but was forced to go forward from a wide draw. If he gets a quieter ride here he could be a key player. Morton’s Fork was really good to the line over 1600m in a strong Group 3 last start, and whilst up in grade, the smaller field and nice draw will help his chances. Fomo has a big ask in this grade, but the natural leader could give a great sight and cause the upset. Sandown Sound Out Says: Jennifer Lynn 1^st/Ruthven 2^nd/Morton’s Fork 3rd

R7 Quayclean Zipping Classic (Group 2 2400m WFA)

Fast Facts:

• First held in 1888 at Williamstown Racecourse, known as Williamstown Cup
• Mostly known as Sandown Classic – always Group 2
• Name changed in 2011 to honour four time winner (07 – 10)

History Says:

• Seen you before? – nine of last 10 winners came out of Melbourne Cup or Queen Elizabeth Stakes
• Out of form – only four of last 10 winners placed last start
• Boys rule – only 2 mares have won in the last 30 years
• Be favourerd – last 15 winners paid under $10
• If history is right, winner is Who Shot Thebarman

Who Shot Thebarman won this race last year and comes into this after a similar performance in the Melbourne Cup to last year.  Almoonqith was really good to the line late in the big Cups and will certainly appreciate the drop in grade. Assign won well at Caulfield over 2400m but then peaked on his run in the Cup. Back to 2400m will suit. Big Orange all but won the 2015 Melbourne Cup before heading back home and having a really strong European summer that netted a number of Group level staying wins. He never fired in this year’s Cup, but he is very talented and shouldn’t be irgnored. Secret Number’s 2015 Melbourne cameo produced a super 2^nd in a hot 2600m race before he headed back home to the UK. The lightly raced runner only had one run into the 2016 Melbourne Cup and he really looked flat finishing back in the field. He is sure to be an improver 2^nd up. Beautiful Romance had a fairly good European summner before coming out here to try her luck in the Melbourne Cup, where she arguably had one of the best runs in the race behind the place getters. She does come back to 2400m, but she is a classy mare with a huge chance. So Si Bon has a big ask but will relish the 2400m. Sandown Sound Out Says: Who Shot Thebarman 1^st/Almoonqith 2^nd/Big Orange 3^rd.

R8 Kevin Heffernan Stakes (Group 3 WFA 1300m) Hot little mid-distance range Group 3 race. Illustrious Lad certainly looks the stand out. The in-form sprinter beat a strong Group 2 field over 1200m last start. Does rise in weight but is in great form. Faatinah is a natural leader that will be setting the pace and only just missed in a similar field last start over 1200m. Yet to race over this trip, but is talented. Lucky Hussler and Under The Lourve are proven Group 1 performers that should be repsected in this grade, while Famous Seamus has a great record over this trip and comes into this on the back of a strong Listed grade win. Burning Front is sure to improve 2^nd up and Durendal has been there abouts all Spring in higher grades so will appreciate the drop to Group 3. Sandown Sound Out Says: Illustrious Lad 1^st/Faatinah 2^nd/Durendal 3rd

R9 Mypunter.com Eclipse Stakes (Group 3 1800m) Big field full with a host of runners coming out of the same race. Tucanchoo was 2^nd in that race and, 3^rd up now, is sure to have reached full fitness and will be hard to beat. Alaskan Rose was ultra impressive late in a hot Group 2 mares race over 2000m last start. She is unbeaten on this track and looks well placed. Cool Chap jumped up to this trip for the first time last start and was just beaten on the line late. Stays at 1800m which is interesting, but the leader will be in this for a long way. Plot The Course was shuffled right back in that Tucanchoo race, but did hit the line well. With a better draw here he is right in this. High Church is sure to improve 2^nd up and Desert Jueney was 3^rd behind Tucanchoo and could be your value runner. Sandown Sound Out Says: Tucanchoo 1^st/Alaskan Rose 2^nd/Cool Chap 3rd

R10 Le Pine Funerals Summoned Stakes (Group 3 Mares 1500m) The last of a big day of racing. Extensible just cant seem to run a bad race of late and comes into this after a solid 3^rd over 1600m in this grade. The same could be said for Silent Sedition. She is in great form and just missed late (3^rd) in a strong Group 3 last start. Metaphorical hasn’t been far off in some good races over similar trips this Spring and certainly is right in this. Shillelagh was great over 1400m in this grade last start and will be really suited by 1500m. A few last start winners jump right in grade but shouldn’t be discounted based on how well they won their last race. This includes Weather The Storm, Mossbeat, Miles of Krishan and Vital Importance. Good luck in a tough race! Sandown Sound Out Says: Extensible 1^st/Silent Sedition 2^nd/ Metaphorial 3^rd/Shillelagh 4^th.

By Tim Guille @timbguille

What a week it has been. We saw the Sydney raiders take out our two 3YO classics, the mighty mare Winx take out the Caulfield Stakes and He’s Our Rokki blew them away in the Toorak Hcp. This Saturday the curtain comes down on the 2016 Caulfield Cup Carnival with the showpiece event, the $3million BMW Caulfield Cup. The big question remains though, can the Caulfield Call Out continue the good from Guineas Day? Let’s take a look at the big races on Caulfield Cup day and hopefully find you a winner.

R1 – Mypunter.com Plate (1400m, 3YOF) Caulfield Call Out Says: Sylspheed 1^st, Skylight Glow 2^nd, Tris 3rd

R2 – Polytrack Gothic Stakes (Listed, 1400m, 3YO C & G) Caulfield Call Out Says: Inside Agent 1^st, Acatour 2^nd, Morton Fork 3^rd

R3 – Crown Lager Alinghi Stakes (Listed, 1100m, 3yo+ F & M) Caulfield Call Out Says: Estaminet 1^st, Miss Promiscuity 2^nd, Almighty Girl 3^rd

R4 – New Zealand Bloodstock Ethereal Stakes (Group 3, 2000m, 3YOF) Caulfield Call Out Says: Sebring Dream 1^st, Bella Sorellastra 2^nd, Moqueen 3rd

R5 – Ladbrokes Classic (Group 3, 2000m, 3YO)

Fast Facts: Registered as the Norman Robinson and many use it as a Spring feature lead up race. It was first run on Wednesday in 1979 and is one of the richest 3YO races in the country.

History Tells Us:

• Form rules – the last seven winners finished in the top three in their last start
• Be favoured – only six of the last 30 winners paid $10 or more
• The last five winners were Victorian
• Only three fillies have won this race since it began, yet two of those were in 2014 and 2015
• Odd stat – the numbers 7 and 9 haven’t won for 30 years
• If History is right – winner is Rocketeer

Overview: NZer Highlad won his first two starts there well and stepped up in grade and distance in his first Aussie start. He tried to lead from pillar to post and just faded late, but you would have to think he could improve with a quieter run. Wine Bush won with authority over 1800m last start (Rocketeer 2^nd/Highlad 3^rd) and is primed for this distance range. Have absolutely loved the way Rocketeer has hit the line in his last few starts, including an eye catching run over 1800m last start. 2000m will be ideal. Inference was really strong to the line on a tight track last start, so is a likely improver over further ground on this bigger track. Positive Carry might show some improvement here, while Throssell was a little off last start, but showed some promise prior to that, so if he is fighting fit here again isn’t without a hope.

Caulfield Call Out Says: Highlad 1^st, Rocketeer 2^nd, Wine Bush 3rd

R6 – Priceline Pharmacy  Coongy Cup (Group 3, 2000m, HCP) Caulfield Call Out Says: De Little Engine 1^st, Bring Something 2^nd, It’s Somewhat 3rd

R7 – Schweppes Tristarc Stakes (Group 2, 1400m, 4yo+, Mares)

Fast Facts: It was first run in 1987 and elevated to Group 2 in 2005.

History Tells Us:

• Follow the money – five out of the last eight winners were favourite
• Sydney may actually be better – four of he last five winners were Sydney trained/Sydney jockeys
• Odd stat – the numbers 6 and 7 haven’t won for over 30 years
• Odd stat – nice of the last 11 winners had two word names
• If history is right – winners is First Seal

Overview: Tycoon Tara is having a sensational Spring. She led and put them away last start over this trip in a strong Group 2. Interesting to note that the 2^nd horse in that race has won a race since. First Seal is a smart mare who will certainly be competitive here. She was pretty good ‘first up’ in NSW behind Tycoon Tara (5^th) and is sure to be fitter over a trip she loves. Danish Twist comes back to her own sex after a good ‘first up’ run against the boys in NSW. Another runner that is sure to be a big player. Telopea’s form doesn’t jump out off the page, but she has been running in some really strong races and is sure to be far more competitive in this field. French Emotion has been fairly good this Spring and never seems to run poorly, while Jessy Belle is up to these on her day.

Looking For Value? Denmagic comes down from Sydney and is out of some pretty hot Group races up there. She could bob up at odds in this field.

Caulfield Call Out Says: Tycoon Tara 1^st, First Seal 2^nd, Danish Twist 3^rd

R8 – BMW Caulfield Cup (Group 1, 2400m, HCP)

Fast Facts: It was first run on Saturday April 5, 1879 and moved to Spring in 1881. Interestingly, a lot of people associate Bart Cummings as the ‘cups king’ referring to another great cup. But Bart actually also won an incredible seven Caulfield Cups.

History Tells Us:

• Value galore – Seven of the last eight winners started over $10
• Got your passport? Three of the last four winners were overseas horses
• Be out of form? Not one of the last seven winners has finished 1^st or 2^nd in their last start
• A weighty issue – only two horses in the last 30 years have won carrying more than 57kgs
• 1 is done – No horse has won from barrier 1 in over 30 years
• Only six mares have won this race in the last 30 years
• Odd stat – The numbers 4, 10 and 11 haven’t won for over 30 years
• If history is right – The winner is Scottish

Overview: Let’s start with the Australian contingent. It’s pretty hard not to see why Jameka is favourite. Her win her two starts ago here in the Naturalism was outstanding and then she backed up with a strong 2^nd behind superstar Hartnell. She has won over this trip before, gets right down in the weights and she will be primed for this. Real Love is having his fourth start this campaign and is another runner that in form.. He won well over 2000m last start (a bit left in the tank!) and has a great 2400m record over this distance.

NSW runner, Tally, comes out of that Jameka/Hartnell race. He found himself unusually leading in that and he peaked late. He gets a wide barrier here which makes it interesting but he could improve. Jameka’s stable mate Set Square knows how to win Group 1s over this distance so has the runs on the board. She showed real promise early on in the Spring but has been a bit flat in her last couple. Can she bounce back?

Now for the overseas runners. Scottish has been in great form in England and comes out of some strong Group level staying races. He beat 2015 Caulfield Cup runner up Trip To Paris in July over 2000m, which gives you a good indication of how talented he is. He is certainly a big player. German trainer Andreas Wholer has tasted big success in Australia already (Protectionist) and brings over the smart Articus for our big one.  The lightly raced 5YO has been running well at Group level in Germany, including only finishing 2L off the winner in a Group 1 last start. He is a little bit of the unknown ‘first up,’ but has to be respected.

Exospheric, now with Aussie trainer Lee Freedman, has been highly competitive in a number of English Group races. He wasn’t far off some of the quality stayers over there, including only 2L off Highland Reel last start, who was 3^rd behind Winx in last year’s Cox Plate. You should never overlook star British trainer Aiden O’Brien’s runners and he brings over Sir Isaac Newton for this. His form hasn’t been great, but how can you overlook an O’Brien runner? Vengeur Masque has had a few starts in Australia now but let’s put into the overseas runners bucket. The lightly raced 5YO showed some real staying talent in Ireland, including a fairly good run over 2900m in the Group 1 Irish St Ledger. Since coming here, he has been good, including a strong over 2500m last start behind a strong field. Not the worst here. Rounding out the overseas runner is NZer Fanatic. She won the Group 1 NZ Oaks over 2400m and, third up here, gets a chance back at a distance that clearly is to her liking.

Of the rest of the Aussies, Preferment and Our Ivanhowe will love this distance now, Pemberley comes in with a ridiculously light weight, Sacred Master hit the line well behind Sir John Harkwood last start so will have no issue getting the trip and Tarzino is another runner with a Group 1 win over this distance in his bag of tricks. Throw in Big Memory, Go Dreaming, De Little Engine and Almoonqith and you have a cracking 2016 Caulfield Cup line up!  

Looking for Value? Sir John Harkwood comes into this after winning a Group 1 over 2400m. How can you knock that? He might have slipped under the radar here and has some attractive odds.

Caulfield Call Out Says: Jameka 1^st, Real Love 2^nd, Scottish 3rd

R9 – Dilmah Single Origin Teas Caulfield Sprint (Group 2, 1000m, HCP)

Fast Facts: This was first run in 1983 and elevated to Group 2 in 1999. It began as an 1100m race but was changed to 1000m in 2014. Amazingly there has been a dead heat in this race in the last two years.

History Says:

• Well rested – five of last eight winners were ‘first up’
• In the money – a favourite hasn’t won since 2012
• One for the boys? Only four of the last 20 winners were female
• Odd stat – The number 2 hasn’t won in over 30 years
• If history is right – winner is Lankan Rupee

Overview: First off is last start Caulfield winner Hellbent He does jump up in grade here but was dominant when winning his last 2 and has loads of talent.  Wild Rain is one of the few mares here, but is right in this after her strong Group 1 3^rd last start in a hot race. Crowd favourite and sprinting superstar, Lankan Rupee, returns to the track here after a long injury lay off. Let’s hope he bounces back. Our Boy Malachi amazingly has only ever missed the top three in four of his 25 starts and certainly isn’t without a hope.  Redzel lead and won well here two starts ago before finding the pace a little hot up at Group 1 level last start. Back a little in grade at a track he loves has him right in this. Of some of the others, Take Pride is talented on her day, while Faatinah is the likely leader who will take some catching.

Caulfield Call Out Says: Hellbent 1^st, Wild Rain 2^nd, Take Pride 3rd

R10 – Ladbrokes Moonga Stakes (Group 3, 1400m, 4yo+) Caulfield Call Out Says: Takedown 1^st, Mabeel 2^nd, Fast ‘N’ Rocking 3rd

By Tim Guille @timbguille

The footy scarves and big Winter coats have been put away. Spring is upon us and the first of the big Spring classics, the Caulfield Guineas, is here. Saturday kicks off the start of a mouth watering Caulfield Cup Carnival week where we get to see Group 1 racing at its best. Best of all, this Saturday we get to see arguably Australia’s best horse in the flesh, Winx, hoon around Caulfield. Let’s take a look at the big races and hopefully find you a winner.

R2 – Ladbrokes Herbert Power Stakes (Group 2, 2400m, Quality)

Fast Facts: First held in 1898. Named after a former Chairman who was instrumental in shaping Victorian racing. A Group 2 since 1981 and 2400m since 1920.

History Tells Us:

• Weight a minute – Only two horses have won carrying more than 56.5kgs in last 30 years
• Only four mares have won in last 30 years
• Odd Stat – five of the last seven winners had single word names and last four winners wore predominantly blue
• The winner based on ‘History Tells Us’ – Assign

Overview: Assign stuck on pretty well behind a star last start here over 2400m and didn’t seem to tire. He will probably take a lot of benefit out of that run and improve here. Group 1 winner, Howard Be Thy Name is shaping up to be a really impressive staying type while. Big Memory won this race in 2014, so knows how it is done. Pemberley jumps right up in grade but is in great form and Prince Of Penzance is on another Melbourne Cup campaign and has to be considered over this staying trip.

Looking for Value? Master Zephyr was really strong to the line last start over 2050m and has won over this trip before. He could sneak into the placings based on his best form.

Caulfield Call Out Says: Assign 1^st, Bon Amrum 2^nd, Royal Rapture 3^rd.

R6 – Ladbrokes Caulfield Stakes (Group 1 2000m WFA)

Fast Facts: First run in 1886 and always a Group 1. Winner’s list includes many stars such as Naturalism, Northerly, Rough Habit, Might and Power, So You Think and Fawkner.

History Tells Us:

• Step up in distance – only two of last 30 winners had their last starts at 2000m or more
• Know your turf – 9 of last 15 winners had one of their last three starts here
• Only one mare has won the race in 30 years
• Odd stat – The number ‘6’ has won six of the last 11 races
• The winner based on ‘History Tells Us’ – He Or She

Overview: We get to sit back and watch super star, Winx, in action here. She is looking to make it 12 straight wins here by winning her ninth Group 1. The star has just toyed with her rivals over the last year or so and will do so again here. Black Heart Bart loves Caulfield winning his three starts here, the last two being Group 1. He is a really good horse and who knows, may cause the boil over. He Or She is off the back of a really strong Group 1 2^nd over 1800m here last start in that Bart race.

Caulfield Call Out Says: Winx to win. Easily.

R7 – Schweppes Thousand Guineas (Group 1 1600m 3YOF)

Fast Facts: First run in 1946 and always Group 1. It was previously held on the Wednesday of Caulfield Cup week (1988 – 2013) and on Caulfield Cup day (1946 – 1988).

History Tells Us:

• Familiarity – 16 of last 17 winners are out of Thousand Guineas Prelude, Manifold or Flight Stakes (Sydney)
• In form – no winners in the last 30 years have finished outside of the top six in their last start
• Odd stat – the number nine hasn’t won for over 30 years
• The winner based on ‘History Tells Us’ – Global Glamour

Overview: Foxplay comes into this after two stunning Group 2 wins, deserves to be favourite and looks hard to beat. Harlow Gold shoots right up in grade, but did win strongly here last start over 1600m, so deserves here chance. Global Glamour led the whole way to win a key form race last start, the Flight Stakes. No doubt Gai Waterhouse will be cheering her home. WA runner, Whispering Brook remained undefeated until she came to Victoria where she is yet to taste success. The front-runner could be an improver and will be the one they have to chase. Hard not to like Missrock’s Group 2 run here last start, she really hit the line strongly late and looks well suited to 1600m. La Luna Rossa was another runner out of that Missrock race and was also eye catching late and is right in this. Legless Veuve was the winner of that Group 2 and is sure to have many an omen bet placed on her. 1600m might be the query but her form is hard to knock.

Looking for Value? Leotie nearly took out a strong Group 3 here in August, flying late. She has since gone back in grade to win her last two starts convincingly and gets another go at the top level.

Caulfield Call Out Says: Foxplay 1^st, Missrock 2^nd, Global Glamour 3^rd

R8 – Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas (1600m Group 1 3YO)

Fast Facts: First run on a Thursday in 1881 (Wheatear won) and always a Group 1 with set weights (56.5kgs).

History Tells Us:

• Sydney raiders – four of last five winners were from NSW
• In form – none of last 10 winners finished outside the top four last start
• Is the Prelude a preview? Maybe not. Only seven of last 15 winners came via Guineas Prelude
• A little value? – Only five of the last 15 winners were favourite (Ave. $8.75)
• Odd stat – the number six hasn’t won for 30 years and the last four winners have had multi word names
• The winner based on ‘History Tells Us’ – Divine Prophet

Overview: NSW runner, Impending, shapes up as the one to beat. He beat a strong field which included a few of these in a 1500m Group 2 last start and looks well suited in this field over 1600m. Divine Prophet was 2^nd behind him last start, just missing late. He boasts a Group 1 placing over 1600m in Autumn and looms as a big danger. Sacred Elixir probably caught a few people by surprise here first up, winning the Prelude strongly. He has won at Group 1 level over 1600m before so knows how it’s done and is right in this. Good Standing was 3^rd in that Impending race and has been racing like he wants further, so he gets that now. Evacuation wasn’t flash behind Sacred Elixir here last start, but is talented so deserves another chance, while Hey Doc has strung three nice wins in a row and continues to impress as he jumps in grade. Saracino and Seaburge are amongst the chances too.  

Looking for Value? Looking for Value? Kaching has been really impressive to the line in his last two starts over this distance and is really well drawn here.

Caulfield Call Out Says: Impending 1^st, Divine Prophet 2^nd, Sacred Elixir 3^rd.

R9 – IG Markets Toorak Hcp (Group 1 1600m HCP)

Fast Facts: First held in 1865 and always Group 1.

History Tells Us:

• Be in form – not one winner of last 14 has finished outside of the top six last start
• Look to Rupert – last 4 winners have come out of Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes
• 85% of last 30 winners were male
• Be favoured – only one of last 12 winners started at over $10
• Odd stat – numbers 8,9 and 10 haven’t won in over 30 years
• The winner based on ‘History Tells Us’ – Bon Amrum

Overview: Caulfield local Bon Amrum has been somewhat of a sensation this Spring and won the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke here last start, so is right in this. He’s Our Rokki comes into this after two strong wins here. He does jump in grade but is in super form. Ex-Japanese runner Tosen Stardom was eye catching late in his first Aussie run (4^th) and is sure to be an improver. Multiple Group winner Counterattack is also out of the Rupert Clarke and is up to this field on his day, while Sydneysider, and grey, Moral Victory looked superb winning a Group 2 (1500m) last start.  Royal Rapture is remarkably looking to make it six wins in a row here and comes into this after a good win here. Awesome Rock won smartly two starts ago but peaked late on his last run here over 1800m, so might be better suited at 1600m. Miss Rose De Lago returns to the track she loves (won 4 of last 5 here) and has to be considered.

Looking for Value? The ultra consistent Thames Court is out of the strong Rupert Clarke where she only finished 1.3L behind Bon Amrum so certainly isn’t without a hope.

Caulfield Call Out Says: He’s Our Rokki 1^st, Bon Amrum 2^nd, Royal Rapture 3^rd.

R10 – Mitsubishi Electric Schillachi Stakes (Group 2, 1100m, WFA, 3yo+)

Fast Facts: First run in 1970 as the Chirnside Stakes and the name changed in 2000 to honour champion sprinter. Black Caviar won in 2010/11.

History Tells Us:

• Fresh is best – six of last seven winners were ‘first up’ after winter breaks
• One for the girls – nine of last 14 winners were female
• Follow the money – last 11 winners paid under $8
• Odd stat – four of last nine winners were number 6
• The winner based on ‘History Tells Us’ – Ocean Embers

Overview: Star Turn is having a great Spring so far and really looks the stand out here. The 3YO won a strong Group 3 1^st up before just missing behind a star in this grade. Canberra raider, Fell Swoop is ‘1^st up’ here after  a pretty solid Autumn which included a close 2^nd to quality sprinter Chautauqua. He races well fresh so is a big chance. Really loved the way Hucklebuck hit the line here 1^st up with his big weight. He gets some weight relief here and has a fabulous ‘2^nd up’ record. Malaguerra was somewhat of a sensation last Spring and backed it up with a solid Autumn this year. Under the guidance of a new trainer he will certainly be in the mix. Flamberge has never missed the top three ‘1^st up’ and Turn Me Loose did win a Group 1 here in Autumn so has talent. Dothraki isn’t with out a chance and Japonsime is a Group performed runner that has been out of form somewhat but cant be dismissed that easily.

Looking for value? Ocean Embers absolutely love Caulfield and has won her last two starts here, including a Group 3, over similar distance range. She has had a little ‘freshen up’ and certainly looks like great value.

Caulfield Call Out Says: Star Turn 1^st, Fell Swoop 2^nd, Ocean Embers 3^rd.

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