The Thousand Guineas (1600m, Group 1, set weights) at 5:05pm is our third major for the day here at Caulfield. Join us for our live coverage as some of Australia’s best fillies battle for Group 1 glory.
This is the first time the race has been scheduled on the first Saturday of the Caulfield Cup carnival. Unfortunately, no fillies have backed up from the Flight Stakes and Edward Manifold, so history will provide us with no real guide.
With the rail in the true position, the track should be playing evenly by this time in the day. Cool temperatures and light winds should also ensure the track doesn’t become too firm.
There is plenty of early speed here, so expect Traviston Girl to bounce from a wide gate along with High Above and Amicus. Afleet Esprit and Lumosity should position handy from good draws, while Bring Me The Maid and Go Indy Go will go back as usual.
The Thousand Guineas Prelude was taken out in strong fashion by Afleet Esprit. She had the gun run with cover in behind the leaders on a windy day when it was difficult to make ground in the straight. Her previous win at Flemington was excellent and the form out of the race since has been strong.
Amicus and Traveston Girl battled away from on the pace in the same race and will need to avoid using up too much petrol up the hill early. Go Indy Go was terrific against the pattern in the same race. She is the sole Group 1 winner in the field and you only need to go back to her Champagne Stakes win in the autumn to see her sizzling turn of foot.
Sabatini also comes through the Thousand Guineas Prelude and the inside draw will help her find a nice trail midfield. Bring Me the Maid was disappointing and Moody has added blinkers in the hope of turning her fortunes around, while Pickin’ Time has raced consistently this preparation without threatening the winners.
Lumosity was scratched from Caulfield due to minor injury, but travelled to Sale for a weak maiden. She won with authority and is a huge chance based on her first-up performance behind Afleet Esprit.
Of the others, Tahni Dancer produced quick sectionals behind Eloping at Moonee Valley on another track which did not suit backmarkers. The sharp rise to the 1600m is an obvious concern, but they do look like an even bunch.
High Above comes from Sydney and has sound form around First Seal, Sweynesse and Hampton Court. Anthony Cummings is known to have a throw at the stumps from time to time and is a genuine chance.
As mentioned, this is a very even group of three-year-old fillies and while Go Indy Go has the class, she will need a decent tempo to have any chance of catching the leaders.
Sam Kelly’s tips:
1. Amicus
2. Go Indy Go
3. Afleet Esprit
4. Tahni Dancer
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