A huge day of spring racing delivered statements everywhere you looked. Blind Raise emerged as a serious Caulfield Guineas threat, Birdman launched himself into Cox Plate calculations, Autumn Glow was made to work but still got the job done, while Angel Capital finally delivered the Group 1 everyone knew he was capable of.
Guineas-bound fillies
Caulfield R4 β 1:50pm | Thousand Guineas Prelude
Ice Lady and Saintly Dancer quinellaed the Prelude for Ciaron Maher, with both set to train on towards the Thousand Guineas.
They are currently around $15 and $17 respectively, while Pretty Baby heads the Thousand Guineas market at $3.
General Salute books his Epsom ticket
Randwick R5 β 2:10pm | Bill Ritchie Handicap
The Bill Ritchie carried a golden ticket into the Epsom with no weight penalty, and General Salute took full advantage. A sit-and-sprint played perfectly into the hands of the quality sprint-miler, who put them away comfortably and now looks a serious lightweight Epsom hope however it is unlikely he will line up.
Blind Raise makes a statement
Caulfield R5 β 2:25pm | Caulfield Guineas Prelude
Blind Raise was plenty of people's good thing of the day and delivered emphatically.
Despite pressure mid-race, Blake Shinn stayed patient before Blind Raise worked through his gears and powered away by 2.75 lengths. He is now $4 second favourite for the Caulfield Guineas behind Tron Bolt at $3.50 and will head straight there without another run.
It's hard to see anything from behind him turning the tables this preparation.
Point Barrow delivers
Caulfield R6 β 3:00pm | How Now Stakes
Sam Freedman declared before the race that Point Barrow was the best horse in it, and she proved him right.
Odds-on favourite Bridal Waltz looked the one to beat, but Point Barrow produced a withering sprint from the 300m to reel her in. Freedman believes she is capable of winning a Group 1 and is leaning towards keeping her fresh for the Champions Sprint rather than tackling the Manikato.
Bangkok Hottie does it again
Randwick R7 β 3:20pm | Tea Rose Stakes
Bangkok Hottie beat Striking Alibi and Global Goal to continue her dominance of the Princess Series and make it back-to-back wins after taking out the Furious Stakes.
Interestingly, the Flight Stakes market has them in reverse order. Global Goal is $3.50, Striking Alibi $4 and Bangkok Hottie $5. The extra 200m should suit the closers, but Bangkok Hottie keeps getting the job done. The Flight in two weeks looks a beauty.
Birdman flies into Cox Plate calculations
Caulfield R7 β 3:35pm | Underwood Stakes
All the pre-race attention surrounded Cosmic Crusader and Lindermann, but forgotten horse Birdman reminded everyone of his quality with a dominant 1.75-length Group 1 victory.
He is now $9 for the Cox Plate behind $3 favourite Sir Delius, and 2000m at Flemington looks made for him. Birdman is firmly in the conversation for anything at 2000m and beyond this spring.
Autumn Glow made to earn it
Randwick R8 β 3:55pm | Seven Sunrise Stakes
Many expected another Autumn Glow procession, but her four rivals made sure she had to earn it. At the 300m she looked vulnerable, but James McDonald asked the question and class prevailed as she powered away to win by more than a length.
That should bring her right on for the King Charles III Stakes on Everest Day. Aeliana and Ceolwulf were excellent behind her and both go straight into the black book.
Maher lands the Naturalism quinella
Caulfield R8 β 4:15pm | Naturalism Stakes
It's time to start getting serious about the Cups and Ciaron Maher put his best foot forward with a quinella as Zahrann dominated the Naturalism and Saint George charged home for second.
Both now look serious chances heading towards the Caulfield Cup in just under a month.
The Shorts leaves more Everest questions
Randwick R9 β 4:35pm | The Shorts
The $1 million Shorts was supposed to tell us plenty about Australia's Everest hopes. Instead, it left us with more questions.
Headline runners Ninja, Joliestar and Headwall were only fair, while Mazu wound back the clock under Rachel King, controlling the race and kicking strongly.
Ka Ying Rising is the best sprinter in the world, and on what we saw here, the Australians might be flat out keeping up with him β let alone beating him.
Angel Capital finally gets his Group 1
Caulfield R9 β 4:50pm | Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes
Matt Hill called Angel Capital an enigma, and that feels about right. But there was nothing enigmatic about his finish as Ben Melham produced him at the right time and he exploded down the outside to finally land his first Group 1 at $7.20.
Last year's winner Sepals was tremendous in second, with Regal Award fighting on strongly for third. Angel Capital now has the Group 1 his talent always suggested was there, delivering a huge result for Yulong and significantly enhancing his future stallion credentials.
It also completed a Group 1 double for Chris Waller and Ben Melham after Birdman's Underwood victory earlier in the afternoon.
Editorial at The Daily Punt, covering Australian racing and sport with an eye for where the value sits.
Betting should be fun, not a way to make money. Chances are youβre about to lose. Set a deposit limit, and for free, confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
