The Caulfield Guineas (1600m, Group 1, set weights) at 5:40pm AEDT brings together Australia’s best colts and geldings at a mile. Keep up to date with our live blog for the best up-to-date coverage of the Group 1.
This is one of Australia’s premier stallion making races with the likes of Redoute’s Choice, Lonhro and All Too Hard gracing the honour roll in recent years.
Speed comes from the obvious in Rich Enuff, who has drawn wide again. The pressure will come from Almalad and Lucky Tom, while Looks Like The Cat could settle in a more prominent position at the mile. Rich Enuff still managed to outsprint them last start, so pace and pressure may not matter.
The Ken Keys trained colt has been exceptional this preparation, clocking quick times at Moonee Valley and Flemington, before doing a stack of work at both ends to win in impressive style at Caulfield. He meets his rivals 2.5kg better off at the weights and while he will have to do it tough up the hill, he is all class.
Looks Like The Cat has been game in defeat at both starts behind the favourite. The Queenslander will be at his peak third-up and has been crying out for 1600m. Go on his JJ Atkins run behind Almalad and Brazen Beau where he was unlucky to say the least.
Speaking of Almalad, he made all his own luck in winning the Stutt Stakes at Moonee Valley. Gai and Tommy are a great combination and he shouldn’t have too many issues crossing from the wide barrier.
Moonovermanhattan saved ground along the fence in the same race, while Kumaon sprinted well from the tail against the pattern. Chivalry and Zebulon were forgivable and better suited at the Caulfield mile.
Shooting To Win won the Stan Fox Stakes in commanding fashion, following on from his brave effort in the Golden Rose. The Snowden’s have won two of the past three editions (albeit in different circumstances) and must be respected.
Of the others, Merion won well at Flemington and only missed the Guineas Prelude due to the firm track. He has drawn beautifully and his breeding suggests he will run the mile.
Rich Enuff is clearly the class runner and could quite easily have the race won if he crosses comfortably. This is one of my favourite races on the calendar and you get the feeling this year’s winner will be something special.
Sam Kelly’s tips:
1. Looks Like The Cat
2. Rich Enuff
3. Almalad
4. Kumaon
Sam James
Roar Guru
Thanks for your company this afternoon, I hope you found a winner. Just the sole Group 1 next week, but it is a big one - the Caulfield Cup. Stay up to date throughout the week at The Roar as the raiders look to take one of our majors.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Of the others Kumaon and Merion put in good Derby trails and could back up next week in the Caulfield Classic.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Looks like they pull up stumps with the winner and target the autumn carnival. He might even stretch out to 2000m.
Sam James
Roar Guru
This is the Snowden's third Cox Plate in four years. Great ride from James Mcdonald. Rich Enuff was brave but did not sprint good enough today. The horses around him finished towards to rear so plenty of merit in his run.
Sam James
Roar Guru
1ST - SHOOTING TO WIN 2ND - RICH ENUFF 3RD - WANDJINA
Sam James
Roar Guru
Round the bend and Rich Enuff beats of Almalad. Shooting To Win peels of them to tackle the favourite and he hangs on to win.
Sam James
Roar Guru
They are racing! Rich Enuff bounces out and works hard to lead. Almalad settles outside him and they are setting a solid pace.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Horses are loading with Rich Enuff steady at $1.85
Sam James
Roar Guru
From the yard, Stingray looked in great order. He loves Caulfield and is at a price.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Expect the favourite to lead with Almalad and Moonovermanhatten. They may also be a few surprises given the pattern, so do not be surprised if a few charge out of the gates.
Sam James
Roar Guru
There has been support for Looks Like The Cat into $7.50.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Merino, Chivalry, Kumaon, Looks Like The Cat, Zululand and Moonovermanhatten will need to win today to keep their Cox Plate dreams alive. Almalad also holds a nomination but is already a Group 1 winner.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Horses on their way to the barriers with eight minutes until jump time.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Almalad is another in good condition. Expect him to settle on the speed today, especially given the pattern.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Shooting To Win looks to have travelled well. He is having a good look around, but has his ears pricked.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Rich Enuff looks in great order. What a milestone it would be for Ken Keys and the owners to win after knocking back $1 million after his first up win.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Punters has cottoned on to the track favouring leaders with Rich Enuff currently a $1.85 favourite. Shooting To Win and Looks Like The Cat are $8.00 with Almalad at $9.00.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Welcome back for our last Group 1 of the day. Horses are in the yard with Almalad the first one in.