For countless punters across the nation, attention turns to Melbourne this Saturday for the staging of the 2023 Caulfield Cup.
A strong field has been assembled for the time-honoured Group 1 race over 2400m at 5.15pm, where the winner will take home $3million in prizemoney.
First staged in 1879, the handicap distance race is viewed by many who enjoy a flutter as a key lead up for Australia’s greatest race, the Melbourne Cup, on the first Tuesday in November.
As of Friday, Gold Trip was rated a $5 chance to salute, with West Wind Blows ($7) and Soulcombe ($7.50) also popular early selections.
Below is Daily Mail Australia’s runner-by-runner guide to the Caulfield Cup.
For countless punters across the nation, attention turns to Melbourne this Saturday for the staging of the 2023 Caulfield Cup (pictured, pre-race favourite Gold Trip)
Punters will be out on force at Caulfield on Saturday, with the Cup at 5.15pm over 2400m
1 – Gold Trip (barrier 11) Melbourne Cup winner in 2022 who relishes the big stage. His recent Turnbull win was incredible. Huge chance.
Odds: Win – $5, $2.15 place
Jockey: Ben Melham
Trainer: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
2 – Without A Fight (barrier 7)
Usually an 1800m runner, so the extra distance could be a concern. Some punters have jumped on early, quality jockey in Mark Zahra won’t hurt either.
Odds: Win – $7, $2.80 place
Jockey: Mark Zahra
Trainer: Anthony and Sam Freedman
3 – Breakup (barrier 5)
Talented Japanese starter who should be there when it matters. Also building towards a run in the Melbourne Cup.
Odds: Win – $9.50, $3.30 place
Jockey: Damien Lane
Trainer: Tatsuya Yoshioka
Montefilia will be ridden by Blake Shinn, with in-form jockey Nash Rawiller suspended
The first race at Caulfield will be run and won at 12.15pm, ensuring a long day for punters trackside
4 – Montefilia (barrier 9)
Getting on in years, but has found winning form at the perfect time. Her run in the Hill Stakes at Rosehill was impressive, rocketing to the line late to claim the Group 2 race. Distance won’t be a problem either. Looming as a value bet.
Odds: Win – $13, $4.20 place
Jockey: Blake Shinn
Trainer: Chris Waller
5 – Francesco Guardi (barrier 15)
Superstar jockey James McDonald has got down to 54kg to ride, which is significant in itself. Needs a bit of luck, but capable type.
Odds: Win – $17, $5 place
Jockey: James McDonald
Trainer: Chris Waller
6 – West Wind Blows (barrier 2)
Won plenty of admirers after his savvy run in the Turnbull. Query over his temperament at times.
Odds: Win – $7, $2.70 place
Jockey: Jamie Spencer
Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford
7 – Nonconformist (barrier 19)
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8 – Soulcombe (barrier 6)
Can be a poor starter, but is flying at the moment, with encouraging recent runs in the Underwood Stakes and Turnbull Stakes. Distance won’t be a drama. Also part-owned by AFL stars Tom Lynch, Jayden Short and Jack Riewoldt.
Odds: Win – $6.50, $2.80 place
Jockey: Craig Williams
Trainer: Chris Waller
9 – Duke De Sessa (barrier 14)
Big improver, but probably one for the future, as opposed to this weekend.
Odds: Win $35, $8.50 place
Jockey: John Allen
Trainer: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
10 – Hoo Ya Mail (barrier 8)
He had every chance in the Hill Stakes in Sydney, but was run down by Montefilia. Prefer others.
Odds: Win $15, $4.60 place
Jockey: Tim Clark
Trainer: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
11 – Right You Are (barrier 13)
Might struggle to leave an impression on this Group 1 field.
Odds: Win $41, $8.50 place
Jockey: Michael Dee
Trainer: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
12 – Emissary (barrier 4)
Went missing in the Turnbull Stakes and suspect it will be a similar story here.
Odds: Win $81, $17 place
Jockey: Jye McNeil
Trainer: Michael Moroney
Racing royalty Gai Waterhouse has two Caulfield Cup runners in Hoo Ya Mal and Goldman
13 – Goldman (barrier 18)
Six months ago, he was listed as an $8 chance for the Melbourne Cup. Now he is racing with limited confidence. Will be a major shock if he wins.
Odds: Win $61, $15 place
Jockey: Linda Meech
Trainer: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
14 – Okita Soushi (barrier 12)
Best form is beyond 2400m, so he will want a genuine tempo to be a realistic chance. But has the quality to win.
Odds: Win $26, $4.80 place
Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy
Trainer: Joseph O’Brien
15 – Fame (barrier 16)
Going well, but the step up in class is telling.
Odds: Win $151, $26 place
Jockey: Craig Newitt
Trainer: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman
16 – Bois D’Argent (barrier 3)
Capable, but not here. Punters will be offered three figure odds for him to cause a major boilover, which tells the story.
Odds: Win $81, $20 place
Jockey: Winona Costin
Trainer: Annabel Neasham
17 – Spirit Ridge (barrier 10)
Racing well, but can’t see him blitzing this field.
Odds: Win $31, $8.50 place
Jockey: Dean Yendall
Trainer: Annabel Neasham
Talented hoop Jamie Kah will ride Valiant King on Saturday in the Caulfield Cup
18 – Valiant King (barrier 1)
Needs some luck, Jamie Kah as the hoop is a good start.
Odds: Win $11, $3.70 place
Jockey: Jamie Kah
Trainer: Joseph O’Brien
19 – United Nations (barrier 17)
Emergency runner who gets a start in a Group 1 after Nonconformist was scratched on Friday afternoon.
Odds: $81, $16 place
Jockey: Carleen Hefel
Trainer: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
Meanwhile, Anthony Waller, CEO of Bet Right, has predicted a stunning upset at Caulfield in the Chris Waller trained Francesco Guardi.
‘He has genuine appeal at $18,’ he told Daily Mail Australia.
‘The import first came to notice last year when he was a dominant winner in the Moonee Cup….he was [then] immediately spelled with the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups in mind.
‘Since resuming this campaign, Francesco Guardi has been ticking away nicely and looks primed to produce his best on Saturday.’
Waller also believes securing the services of superstar jockey James McDonald on board Francesco Guardi could prove crucial.
‘It is a huge positive, J-Mac is no stranger to Group 1 success but to date victory in the Caulfield Cup has eluded him,’ he said.
‘James also rarely rides at 54kg, so his commitment to the ride here adds another layer of confidence.’
Looking at the 18-strong field, Waller pointed to 2022 Melbourne Cup winner Gold Trip and Montefilia as dangers to Francesco Guardi.
Champion jockey will be on board Francesco Guardi, who is rated an $18 chance
Under a new trainer in Chris Waller, Montefilla is poised to finally realise her potential.
Blake Shinn will take over the ride, with Nash Rawiller suspended.
Bet Right’s valued clients haven’t wasted any time with their selections, with ‘solid betting support for Gold Trip to do snare back to back Caulfield Cups.’
Elsewhere, Valiant King opened at $21 and is currently $9, with Japanese horse Breakup well backed into the $9 dollar mark.
Bet Right selections:
1. Francesco Guardi
2. Gold Trip
3. Montefilia
