G2 Off The Track Community Thousand Guineas Prelude (Tranquil Star S.), $300,000, 1400m
Most eyes will be on Godolphin's Heresy (Street Boss {USA}), the promising filly whose Group 3-winning dam Montsegur (New Approach {Ire}) was fourth in this same race eight years ago. She has been terrific finishing right in the thick of things at her two lead-up runs and is yet to miss a placing from her four starts for the James Cummings stable.
Scorched Earth (Nicconi) makes her own luck on pace and can improve on her second-up run in a race not run to suit. Group 3-placed prior to that run, she hails from the prolific Summoned (Crowned Prince {USA}) family that so often makes its mark at carnival time.
Morioka (Maurice {Jpn}) is the only other runner to have contested black-type racing, finishing a game Listed third during the Brisbane carnival. She is attempting to become Maurice's (Jpn) first Australian stakes winner on the back of his early success (three stakes winners) in Japan.
The remaining runners - lightly raced fillies having their first crack at black type - are by an interesting variety of stallions; Bon Hoffa (Bon's A Pearla), Jakkalberry (Ire) (Elusive Express), Xtravagant (NZ) (Xtra Gear), No Nay Never (USA) (Devout Hero), Turn Me Loose (NZ) (Ancient Girl), Alpine Eagle (Throntari) and Sebring (Daisies, hailing from his penultimate crop) represented.
Whilst those looking towards the Thousand Guineas will be watching this race with interest, it is worth noting that just four fillies (1987 Bianco Flyer, 1992 Azzurro, 2006 Miss Finland, 2009 Irish Lights) have completed the double since its inception in 1983.
Caulfield, G3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude, $300,000, 1400m
There are some outstanding gallopers on this race's honour roll; the likes of Alligator Blood, Helmet, Apache Cat, Elvstroem, Alfa, Stratetic and Racer's Edge claiming it on their way to Group 1 glory.
This year's edition is an interesting mix of form lines from different states with the likely favourite Alpine Edge (Better Than Ready) making his Victorian debut on the back of terrific Queensland form. The Group 3-winning, Magic Millions 2Y0 Classic runner-up from the same Summoned family as the 1000 Guineas Prelude runner Scorched Earth has come up just as well at three with good things ahead.
He won't have it all his own way though with challenges likely to come from the G2 VRC Sires' Produce S. winner Lightsaber (Zoustar) whose two runs this time in have been full of merit. He is looking to put his name out there as a stallion prospect and being from the family of Fastnet Rock there is bound to be plenty of interest.
A member of one of the Aga Khan's great European families, Military Expert (Redoute's Choice) was brave in defeat after making the pace in the G3 Ming Dynasty S. and looks set to put in another bold showing. As does the exciting Timson (Frosted {USA}) who created such a big impression with his barnstorming debut victory at Casterton.
Riverplate (Flying Artie) is still a maiden but he really caught the eye at his local debut after finishing second at debut in New Zealand. Brigantine (Astern) is attempting to become the third stakes winner for his dam whilst Athelric (Exceed And Excel) is ready to win having gone so close second up.
Caulfield, G3 MRC Foundation Cup (Naturalism S.), $200,000, 2000m
A really interesting running of a race whose winner enjoys G1 Caulfield Cup ballot exemption, Jameka (Myboycharlie {Ire}) making the most of that in 2016.
Topweight Vow And Declare (Declaration Of War {USA}) is second up en route to another crack at the G1 Melbourne Cup whilst one of the leading contenders for that famed first 'Tuesday In November' also takes her place here, Realm Of Flowers (So You Think {NZ}) who was far from disgraced when resuming in the G2 Feehan S.
Several of those who ran well in the Feehan lineup in this race with Nonconformist (Rebel Raider) in particular running a great race despite being trapped wide. The Listed Heatherlie H. is also a major form reference here with the best runs from that race coming from No Effort (Reward For Effort), Angel Of Truth (Animal Kingdom {USA}), Mirage Dancer (Ire) (the regally bred Frankel out of Hasili's G1 daughter Heat Haze), Tralee Rose (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) and Delphi (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).
The latter is one of a number of well-credentialled imports looking to make carnival claims with G2 Brisbane Cup winner Knight's Order (So You Think {NZ}), the G2 Belmont Gold Cup winner Amade (Ire) (Casamento {Ire}), the Listed Cranbourne Cup winner Future Score (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) and the Banjo Paterson winner Grand Promenade (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}) amongst those adding interest.
Caulfield, G1 Sir Rupert Clarke S., $1,000,000, 1400m
Crowd pleaser Behemoth (All Too Hard) is attempting to become the first horse since Testa Rossa (1999/00) to win consecutive editions of this 1400-metre contest and on the back of similar form to last year (victory in the G1 Memsie S.) he looks ready to create his bit of Caulfield history.
Runner-up to Behemoth at his last two starts, fellow South Australian Beau Rossa (by Testa Rossa's son Unencumbered) looks set to run another great race whilst the main threat to the in-form pair comes from the wonderful mare Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel) whose never-say-die attitude has earned her many fans whilst form analysts will note that she is yet to taste defeat from three starts at Caulfield.
I'm Thunderstruck (NZ) (Shocking) is the up-and-comer of the field whilst the other 4-year-old runner Poland (NZ) (So You Think {NZ}) adds breeding interest as a member of the same branch of the Entreaty family as Sunline (NZ) (Desert Sun {GB}). Roughie Samzidat (Not A Single Doubt) is also worth a look, the 3/4 brother to Tiger Of Malay (Extreme Choice) bringing great form over from Perth.
Caulfield, G3 How Now S., $200,000, 1200m
Bella Nipotina (Pride Of Dubai) looks a big chance to atone for a somewhat unlucky second in the Listed Chautauqua S. She is one of several runners who have shown a real liking for the Caulfield circuit with La Mexicana (I Am Invincible) winning three of her five starts there.
Chassis (Al Maher) was massive odds when a brave second in the G3 Cockram S. last time out whilst Miss Albania (Magnus) is yet to miss a placing in her three Caulfield outings.
Night Raid (Vancouver) was below her best at her only run last time in but was in good form last spring whilst the fast-finishing victory recorded by Geist (Medaglia D'Oro) at Randwick two weeks ago assures she has fans. Also boasting good interstate form is the South Australian Enchantingly (Choisir) who has dominated winner her last two at Morphettville.
