Behemoth big chance again
Caulfield, G1 Neds Sir Rupert Clarke, $500,000, 1400m
Behemoth (All Too Hard) is in outstanding form and wasn’t overly tested to win the G1 Memsie S. over this course and distance. He has again drawn an ideal gate to get a perfect run and will take some holding out.
Tagaloa (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) is a gifted colt and was a sound third when resuming in the G3 McNeil S. He will undoubtedly strip fitter for that outing primed to give the older horses a serious run for their money.
Age Of Chivalry (NZ) (Mr Remarkable {NZ}) was third on the course in last season’s G1 Toorak H. and his two lead-up runs have been full of merit while, if she copes with a quick back-up, Pretty Brazen (Brazen Beau) can’t be discounted.
Streets Of Avalon (Magnus) will have to improve and a wide gate won’t help him and Cascadian (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) made ground strongly for fourth in the Memsie and is overdue to take a winning trick.
Defending champion Begood Toya Mother (Myboycharlie {Ire}) will need to show some improvement on his latest run to lift the crown again.
A better chance may be the talented Superstorm (Sebring), who has a handy second-up record. If he’s close to the form that saw him finish second in both the G1 Australian Guineas and All-Star Mile he will be a major threat.
Winning order
Caulfield, G3 Catanach’s Jewellers MRC Foundation Cup, $160,000, 2000m
Orderofthegarter (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) has the benefit of couple of outings to have him at peak here. He has been runner-up in both outings and a slight drop in weight is also to his advantage.
Mahamedeis (Magnus) was a respectable sixth in the G2 Feehan S. over a mile and this trip will be much more to his liking and In Good Health (Congrats {USA}) won the Listed Heatherlie H. in good style and will be a threat again.
Gamekeeper (Fastnet Rock) was third in that race and presents as a player while Doctor Drill (GB) (Dansili {GB}) was fifth when resuming so he’s open to improvement.
Dabiyr (Ire) (Redoute’s Choice) will be all the better for a couple of runs and has placed in each of them. He was third at The Valley and will drop 3.5kg on that performance.
Stay with Lyre
Caulfield, G3 Neds How Now S., $160,000 1200m
Lyre (Lonhro) hasn’t won for a while and she’s presented with a gilt-edged opportunity to put that right. She was narrowly beaten in the G3 Heath when resuming and can go one better.
Fiesta (white cap)
Spanish Whisper (Lope De Vega {Ire}) is worth consideration as she is effective as is Fiesta (I Am Invincible) while She’s A Thief (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) is race fit and if she gets an easy run in front will take some pegging back.
Humma Humma (Denman) was a close sixth in The Heath and will be fitter for the run and Felicia (Unencumbered) boasts a strong form line. She was second in the Listed Bendigo Bank S. to Showmanship (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) and third was the Group 1 performer Age Of Chivalry (NZ) (He’s Remarkable {NZ}).
In agreement with filly
Caulfield, Listed Aquis Jim Moloney S. for Pinchapoo S., $140,000, 1400m
Agreeable (Sebring) has impressed in all three of her starts, winning on debut and followed up with fourth placings in good company. The step up to 1400 metres will be ideal for her.
Café Rizu (Rubick) has been freshened since she won over 1800 metres last time out and will run this out strongly while stablemate Odeum (Written Tycoon) was fifth in the Listed Atlantic Jewel and Michael Walker staying with her is an encouraging sign.
Mozzie Monster (Sebring) is moving up in grade, but is unbeaten and looks ready for the challenge as does last-start winner Malicorne (Akeed Mofeed {GB}). Yes Baby Yes (Dissident) made ground well for fifth over 1200 metres at The Valley and a step up in trip makes her worth considering.
Advantage top mare
Hawke’s Bay, G1 Tarzino Trophy, NZ$200,000, 1400m
With the benefit of a handy gate and her current form line, it will be a surprise if Avantage (Fastnet Rock) is rumbled here. She is in superb touch with three Group 1 wins from her last five starts and a resuming victory in the G2 Foxbridge Plate.
There will be major interest in the return of the G1 New Zealand Oaks heroine Jennifer Eccles (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}). It’s a distance well shy of her best, but in a fresh state should acquit herself well.
Jennifer Eccles (NZ)
Tavi Mac (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) was a gallant second in the Foxbridge and a place chance again while Supera (NZ) (Savabeel) is a quality mare and effective off a break.
Bavella (Snitzel) won in much weaker company at Te Rapa, but showed strong Group form last preparation and from a handy gate is capable of playing a role in the finish.
Loire (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice) and Germanicus (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) are gifted and with luck from wide gates can be prominent. The Mitigator (Master Of Design) has fared much better at the barrier and, if left alone in front, looks the best upset hope.
Gem of a chance
Hawke’s Bay, G3 Hawke’s Bay Breeders’ Gold Trail S., NZ$70,000, 1200m
Opalescence (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) is a free-going filly and from a handy gate might take some catching with the benefit of two recent trials.
It’s an open affair with a host of chances and among them is De La Terre (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) who has the benefit of recent racing and she will appreciate a genuine tempo.
Taroni (NZ)
Taroni (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) was a last-start fourth in the G3 Northland Breeders’ S. and is certain to be sharper for the outing and Bonita Aurelia (NZ) (Sweynesse) was a Group 3 winner last season and a couple of her trials will have her ready to make an impact.
Babylon Berlin (All Too Hard) won her maiden well enough to suggest she can bridge the gap to stakes company while a fresh Wicket Maiden (NZ) (Power {GB}) and other last-start winners Sweet Anna (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) and Sweet Anna (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) all add further to the form puzzle.
Point to prove
Hawke’s Bay, Listed El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy, NZ$50,000, 1200m
Yourpoint (NZ) (Bull Point) was impressive in his only start last season and didn’t have much luck when resuming. He is capable of bouncing back with a better run.
The Irishman (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) was a smart maiden winner on debut and this is a mediocre black type line-up so he’s right in the fight. Autobahn (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) was third in the G3 Northland Breeders’ S. and a similar effort will see her claim another cheque.
Chillax (NZ) (Ferlax {NZ}) and Kobe Rocks (NZ) (Rock ‘N’ Pop) both won in good enough style last time out to warrant consideration and Suffused (Choisir) was flat at his most recent appearance, but going on the ease of his debut victory he is certainly worth another chance.
