Mare in top form
Caulfield, G1 Magic Millions Memsie S., $750,000, 1400m
Savatiano (Street Cry {Ire}) will be looking to back up her first-up win in the G2 PB Lawrence S. and add a valuable Group 1 to her CV. She has drawn a wide barrier and it’s no doubt that she performs best when fresh, but she is a talented mare and is deserving of a top honour.
South Australian raider Behemoth (All Too Hard) has been knocking on the door of a Group 1 win across the last 18 months and if his win in the G3 Spring S. is anything to go by, Saturday’s Memsie could be his. Drawing an inside barrier doesn’t suit his ‘go back and storm home’ racing style, but he is due for some luck.
Behemoth
Already a Group 1 winner over this course and distance, Streets Of Avalon (Magnus) didn’t appreciate the soft going in the PB Lawrence, but with the track likely to be much firmer this time he will put himself in the mix on the speed.
The first 3-year-old to contest the Memsie in more than 25 years will be Glenfiddich (Fastnet Rock), as he gets into the race with a measly 50.5kg on his back.
The Grant and Alana Williams-trained pair Arcadia Queen (Pierro) and Regal Power (Pierro) can’t be forgotten about and neither can Mystic Journey (Needs Further). All three are talented and definite winning hopes on their best form.
Blinkered approach
Caulfield, G3 HDF. McNeil S., $160,000 1200m
The G1 Blue Diamond S. winner Tagaloa (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) resumes on a path to the G1 Caulfield Guineas and has been impressive in his lead up jump-outs. Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young have applied the blinkers to the colt and have said he has worked well in the headgear.
Behind Tagaloa, there aren’t a lot of stand-out chances. Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr have three runners in the race, including last-start G3 Vain S. winner Our Playboy (Sebring). The colt has won three starts in a row, but has drawn the second widest barrier.
Tagaloa
Stablemates Immortal Love (Snitzel) and National Choice (Snitzel) will also step out for their first runs of the campaign after they were put away over the winter with the spring in mind. Both colts were strong through the line in recent jump-outs at Caulfield.
Also kicking off his spring is Listed Anzac Day S. winner Flying Award (Shamus Award), who hit the line very well in his public jump-out down the straight at Flemington.
Rubisaki all class
Caulfield, G3 Moet & Chandon Cockram S. 1200m
Talented mare Rubisaki (Rubick) is back for her opening run and is the standout horse of the field. She has won her last six starts in a row, but has never been to Caulfield before and has drawn barrier 13 of 15. She still looks a class above the rest of her rivals and that should be enough to get the job done.
Rubisaki’s main danger may be Bless Her (Street Boss), who is already at her peak fitness and was dominant when winning at Caulfield last start. She gets in with 55kg compared to Rubisaki’s 58kg and has drawn well to get a comfortable run in transit.
The G2 Sandown Guineas winner Pretty Brazen (Brazen Beau) was last seen running second to Rubisaki in the G2 Kewney S. and is a talented filly, but her only win over 1200 metres came when breaking her maiden at Murray Bridge in July last year.
Lyre overdue
Caulfield, G3 Neds The Heath 1100 S., $160,000, 1100m
Lyre’s (Lonhro) last win was at Caulfield when she took out the G1 Blue Diamond S. in 2019 and she can make an overdue return to the winner’s circle.
She was thereabouts at every start last campaign and was unlucky to not win at least one of the G1 Robert Sangster S. or G1 Goodwood H. She hasn’t been put under a lot of pressure in her jump-outs, but she does have a good fresh record.
Lyre (blue cap)
All Star Mile and G1 Australian Guineas runner-up Superstorm (Sebring) will resume here, but 1100 metres will probably be short of his best distance while Garner (Barbados) is a smart type and a past first-up winner.
Banquo (Written Tycoon) hasn’t raced since he was fifth in the G1 Newmarket S. and if he’s anywhere near that form he will be a threat. Great Again (Viscount) has race fitness on his side and his form is sound while Humma Humma (Denman) is a smart mare and another effective off a break.
Stay with Sirrconi
Caulfield, Listed Neds Heatherlie S., $140,000, 1700m
Sircconi (Nicconi) is a horse in form after his career-best run in the G2 PB Lawrence S. when he was run down by Savatiano. He is at peak fitness and with a drop back in grade here can go one better.
Game Keeper (Fastnet Rock) is jumping from 1200 metres in the G3 Aurie’s Star, where he finished third, up to 1700 metres and this distance will be much more to his liking.
Mirage Dancer (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Constantinople (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), and Steel Prince (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire}), among others, are resuming on a path to the Cups so watch them late in the piece.
It’s Anders again
Rosehill, G3 TAB San Domenico S., $160,000, 1100m
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Anders (Not A Single Doubt) will look to back-up his Listed Rosebud win and add a valuable Group 2 victory to his CV. The colt was impressive last start where he led from point to post, but he’s drawn wider this time and will have to work harder for the lead.
Every other runner in the six-horse field is first-up this campaign including the undefeated Peltzer (So You Think {NZ}), who beat Doubtland (Not A Single Doubt) in a trial at Rosehill. Peltzer won on the bridle, but Doubtland finished off very strong and is already a Group 3 winner.
The G1 Sires’ Produce S. runner-up Mamaragan (Wandjina) only finished 0.5l behind Farnan (Not A Single Doubt) in his most recent trial, but has to carry a weight penalty while Mark Newnham has opted to take on the boys with Every Rose (Choisir), who has won both of her lead-up trials.
Holyfield stands out
Rosehill, G3 De Bortoli Wines Ming Dynasty, $160,000, 1400m
Holyfield (I Am Invincible) was the Group 3 winner of the Bailleu S. last season and should be much fitter for his first-up run in the G3 Up And Coming S. Expect significant improvement from him.
Aim (Star Witness) also performed creditably against stiff opposition as a 2-year-old and he made late ground for sixth when opening his current campaign. The step up to 1400 metres looks ideal for him.
Overlord (Sebring) hasn’t run since he finished fourth in the G1 JJ Atkins S., but has had a couple of trials while stablemate Achiever (Pride Of Dubai) and Oscar Zulu (Epaulette) provide trainer Chris Waller with a solid hand.
Mugatoo a hot chance
Rosehill, G3 Iron Jack Premier’s Cup, $160,000, 1900m
Most eyes will be on Mugatoo (Ire) (Henrythenavigator {USA}) here and with good reason following his resuming victory in the Listed Winter S. He was highly impressive and has since won a trial to keep him up to the mark.
Taikomochi (Snitzel) is a genuine type and claimed the Listed Premier’s Prelude last time out. He’ll be hard to roll again if left alone in front. Carzoff (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) is consistent and looms as at least a place hope again.
Rondinella (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) is a Group 1 performer and her chances will be boosted by a decent surface while Savacool (NZ) (Savabeel) won the Listed Rowley Mile in fine style and a step up in trip won’t do her chances any harm at all.
Appropriate win beckons
Morphettville, Listed Leon Macdonald S., $100,000, 1400m
Trainer Leon McDonald has a gilt-edged chance to win the race, formerly the Penny Edition S., named in his honour with Dalasan (Dalakhani {Ire}). He is a quality act and got home strongly for second in the G3 Spring S.
Dexelation (Ambidexter) capped off a good run of form with a winning strike at Moonee Valley and her claims can’t be ignored while Sky Punch (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}) has won off a break before and might be one for odds. He is from Michael Hickmott’s in-form stable.
Fox Hall (Foxwedge) should improve with his resuming fourth in the Spring S. and the lightly-tried Rainmoth (Barbados) was fifth after getting a long way back in the running.
Saracino in grand form
Belmont, Listed Idyllic Prince S., $100,000, 1300m
Saracino (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) was well-ridden to win the Listed Newmarket S. at his most recent appearance and if he gets a soft lead again will be a tough nut to crack.
Multiverse (Universal Ruler) chased gamely to run third in that race and a similar effort puts him in the frame and Free Trade (Trade Fair {GB}) was fifth off a break and should be sharper for the outing.
Great Shot (Magnus) is returning from a spell and goes well fresh is proven in this grade while Dance Music (War Chant {USA}) is another first-up specialist who has trailed well. By contrast, Lockroy (More Than Ready {USA}) has race fitness on his side and has been performing soundly.
