CAULFIELD CUP DAY October 21.

One of the majors on a brilliant day’s racing at Caulfield.

Track has played perfectly for punters and contenders this carnival, the rail goes out to traditional 6m Cup day position and expect it more than fair again.

BEST BET: Race 8 #1 HUMIDOR

BEST VALUE: Race 6 #2 BURNING FRONT

Race 1: 6-11-3-5

OUR CROWN WITNESS thrashed  the now scratched Shamar at Geelong when stepping out past 1200m and onto a dry. Led and most impressive. – top pick clearly but short enough in market for mine. Huge respect for NAANTALI who did it tough on debut. COUNTERPLAY backs up after chasing another of Gai (and Adrian’s – Invincible Star)last Sat but fit and ready for 1400m now. SUPER SNOB holding good enough form into long campaign. SWORN EVIDENCE off beating Pinot two runs back and back out to 1400m is the value.

SUGGESTED: Believe in OUR CROWN WITNESS but saver NAANTALI.

Race 2: 8-1-3-2

BEAU GESTE early favourite here and off Roman Consul run when wide and can see reason but stable just not hitting boards in Melbourne. Respecting, not tipping. Like the gamble on LORD SUNDOWNER graduating off super impressive on-pace provincials wins. SNITZEPEG capitalised on good run at Flemington to win strongly as working into a campaign (typically Weir like). ÉCLAIR SUNSHINE has been the early firmer, got a bit wrong in Guineas Prelude but form lines up with Royal Symphony but chances galore, OCTABELLO (Black Sail form), WOULDA THOUGHT SO (brilliant at Ballarat).

SUGGESTED: Plenty of hopes but like what see in the progress of LORD SUNDOWNER.

Race 3: 12-5-6-1

It’s come a bit quickly for TEODORA but loved her tenacity to go from strong Maiden to tough BM64 Bendigo powering through the line. Will get 2000m and this is her race. HIYAAM was swept away (like they all were) by Bring Me Roses at Flemington but was sound nonetheless. PINOT had one alley and good run Flemington with blinkers off, more luck needed from outside gate now though sure to press forward quickly.ONE MORE HONEY has been good in G1 and G2 company Sydney.

SUGGESTED: Very keen TEODORA.

Race 4: 2-4-7-1

Weir again here with CLIFF’S EDGE to overturn the impressive victor at Flemington in MAIN STAGE (who has been beaten by TAVISTOCK ALLEY) previous Flemington. Just think roll forward toughness of Cliff’s Edge the advantage here while respecting the other two. TANGLED has had the G1 (?) 2000m run in Sydney

SUGGESTED: Good race but CLIFF’S EDGE with tactical advantage.

Race 5: 8-10-1-5

This has fallen right away to just six and really SAMOVARE looks a good thing. Much better placed here than pressure draining run in the wfa Underwood. Works over into good on speed trail here I’d reckon. KIWIA better suited Caulfield than Murtoa, race escaped it and ASSIGN is fitter now third run in – where he won two campaigns back (last campaign was only 2 runs). SPECTROSCOPE next pick but skinny race for winning chances

SUGGESTED: SAMOVARE to win.

Race 6: 2-6-4-11

Don’t like race much but BURNING FRONT is 4/4 at Caulfield building to fitness required. Likely to control as he likes here and good gamble. GRANDE ROSSO will find this easier than G1 last time (first time beaten at course and distance). TASHBEEH also to gets good run and DANISH TWIST may be best of closers though while since run.

SUGGESTED: Gambling on BURNING FRONT finding best.

Race 7: 2-9-8-10

Pressure race with Melbourne speedster SNITTY KITTY and Randwick track record holder SUPER TOO to match motors. For that reason going to head towards MISSROCK at the value to get the stalking run, strong and fit and back to the 1000m pressure. PROPERTY resumes , the only 3YO lining up here and also maps well. OCEAN EMBERS can lift here2nd up and the best of her would see her steaming late.

SUGGESTED: Tough race, gambling MISSROCK

Race 8: 1-3-16-15

Very keen HUMIDOR to produce an Australian Cup/Makybe Diva like performance here, well weighted under handicap conditions, a very slight tinker with gear and watch Turnbull replay and see him through the line, itching for 2400m and beyond with the genius of Weir. Hard not to see JOHANNES VERMEER last week and back up form (unlike most Europeans) is exemplary. AMELIE’S STAR is in the zone and peaking and is a superior 2000m plus horse in on 51kg. if you like her, must rate HARLEM who reverts to blinkers (wore them in Naturalism) and they meet on same terms again. Hard to leave out BONNEVAL and best value INFERENCE.

SUGGESTED: Going for the big cigar with HUMIDOR

Race 9: 1-2-11-8

FOXPLAY and GLOBAL GLAMOUR resumes battles here, alleys points to Foxplay, but Global Glamour has trialled up well and obviously a Thousand Guineas winner this track. COOL PASSION backs up from good win 1200m last week, 1400m no problem. NOW OR LATER was excellent closing of in the Blazer to nail MERRIEST. But other hopes, typically tough mares race hence respecting PETITION now make the field.

SUGGESTED: Working around the G1 class at the top 1 and 2.

Race 10: 3-1-6-7

Got this down to two key players, NIETA  – with the glaringly obvious REDZEL form and FUHYRK who had excuses last time and well graded here. One of the two can win and long gap to remainder. For sake of that MODERN WONDER and CONCHITA go in the placings.

SUGGESTED: NIETA to win, save on quinella with FUHYRK

QUADDIE:

2-8-9-10

1-2-3-7-9-11-15-16

1-2

1-3

$64 for 50%