The last Group 1 of the day is the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) where the strong favourite Press Statement has drawn a horror gate. Join The Roar for commentary and late mail before the race start time of 5:40pm AEST.
Press Statement will start a short favourite in this race. His current quote of $2.25 seems very short considering the gate he has drawn but he has been in good form, smashing the field last start with a three length victory.
Ready for Victory didn’t travel well the last two and is crying out for 1600m and blinkers, hasn’t been in the best of form but is capable of turning it around as an $8 chance.
Bon Aurum sat wide two starts ago beating Lizard Island and El Greco before finishing off nicely in the prelude. Has an okay barrier and could be the value at $15.
Tarzino sustained a good long run last time and could provide some more value at $13, Tulsa another one that is in this at $13.
Lizard Island was a close second behind Bon Aurum two starts ago before winning at Pakenham on the soft and certainly doesn’t deserve to be a $31 shot here.
Bassett unbeaten here at Caulfield and both were convincing victories, he draws a solid gate and Peter Moody always has a trick up his sleeve. I think he is a great chance at $13.
Dal Cielo was a third to Bon Aurum last start, he is a New Zealand raider who has won his only start third up and at $10 should improve.
Brent Ford selections
1. Ready For Victory 2. Dan Cielo 3. Press Statement 4. Bassett
Tomas Kelly
Roar Rookie
Dominant performance from Press Statement. Bucked the winning trend of the day to lead all the way, not to mention his own previous racing pattern. Great win. Tarzino put in a great finish leading onto the VRC Derby
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining me today, the spring carnival picture looks a little clearer. I think Criterion will be mighty hard to beat in the Cox Plate.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
QLD VIC NSW Quinella 1-11 23.60 22.10 24.30 Exacta 1-11 38.30 33.60 36.90 Trifecta 1-11-3 393.40 315.50 448.70 First Four 1-11-3-8 4,184.80 3,542.00 3,645.40
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Waller has just really showed how well Press Statement has progressed, he said the runner has had a hell of a journey, does he need to win the Cox Plate this year? Maybe we will find out next year he said. To me that statement makes me think that Waller won't take Press Statement to the Cox Plate. He wins his 53rd Group 1 race.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Bassett really loomed and just couldn't go on, Lizard Island's run on the inside was huge!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
1. Press Statement $2.70 2. Lizard Island $4.50 3. Ready for Victory $3.30 4. Sovereign Nation
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Bowman believes Press Statement will be a top Cox Plate contender next year, will go okay this year but is a hard ask as a youngster.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
The win even more impressive when you consider he was the only leader to win today.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
We will really see how good Press Statement is as they head for home, Bassett is coming and making no ground, Press Statement is clear and he wins it from Lizard Island, Ready for Victory. That was too easy!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Press Statement jumps well from the outside and he goes to the lead. As they climb the hill as Ready for Victory is cut off, Kentucky Flyer and Bassett is sitting in a good spot from Bon Aurum, Del Cielo and Lizard Island. Tulsa, Tarzino, Odyssey Moon and Last Bullet is last.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Goes straight in riderless, we are set as Melham climbs aboard, we are now off!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Tulsa the last one to move in, a big horse this one.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Rageese and then Del Cielo who looks really warm behind the gates.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Last Bullet is set. More Than Ready moving in.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Money continues to come in for Press Statement.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Tarzino goes into this wide open race as a big chance.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Loading up now as Sovereign Nation goes in. Bon Aurum straight in.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Runners behind the barrier moving in now.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Opie said Del Cielo is key but hopes he will get a little bit in the running, blinkers on to sharpen him up.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Waller believes Press Statement is going okay, has been working left handed to get him used to this track but admits the draw is tough.