One of the biggest Saturdays of the spring carnival is here, with the $20 million Everest taking centre stage at Randwick and the Caulfield Cup headlining a massive Melbourne program. The Thousand Guineas, King Charles III Stakes and a stack of quality supporting races add further depth, with some significant early moves already showing.
Caulfield
Track: Good 4 at the time of checking
Caulfield R5 — Sportsbet Harry White Stakes · Group 3 · 1400m
Private Eye returns to Melbourne after two solid Sydney performances and boasts an excellent record over the Caulfield 1400m, including two wins and a second to Cosmic Crusader. War Machine has since won a jumpout after covering ground in the Sir Rupert Clarke, while Hughes won a Group 3 over this course and distance last preparation. Zou Sensation has been building towards another competitive run.
Market movers: War Machine has firmed from $4.50 into $4.20, while Zou Sensation has firmed from $9.00 into $8.00.
Caulfield R6 — Henley Homes Sprint · Group 2 · 1000m
Cavalry Girl has been remarkably consistent this preparation and should again race prominently. Bev's Nine meets Pallaton 3kg better after finishing close behind him at Caulfield, while Hidden Motive gets the inside draw and just 53kg. I'm Foxing returns after winning four straight last campaign, including a dominant victory over this track and trip.
Market mover: Cavalry Girl has firmed from $2.70 into $2.40.
Caulfield R7 — Stow Storage Thousand Guineas · Group 1 · 1600m · 3YO Fillies · Set Weights
De Armas brings strong Sydney form after narrowly missing in the Flight Stakes second-up. Regal Ambition and Pretty Baby cleared out from their rivals when fighting out the finish at Caulfield last start, while Icelady and Saintly Dancer have traded recent victories. Over The Bridge is unbeaten from two starts and faces her biggest challenge stepping into Group 1 company.
Market mover: Saintly Dancer has firmed from $7.00 into $5.00.
Caulfield R8 — Catanach's Jewellers Blue Sapphire Stakes · Group 3 · 1200m
Over Excited was beaten on heavy ground last start but had previously finished close behind Satono Glow, having beaten Thousand Guineas contender Icelady on debut. Stretan Ruler can improve back on firmer footing, while Marffiano resumes after promising juvenile form and encouraging jumpouts. Barracks is another progressive runner attracting market attention after a first-up win.
Market mover: Barracks has firmed from $18.00 into $12.00.
Caulfield R9 — Sportsbet Caulfield Cup · Group 1 · 2400m · Handicap
Saint George gets a favourable draw after failing to make an impression on heavy ground in the Turnbull. He was previously runner-up to Zahrann at Caulfield and now meets that horse 3kg better. Zahrann also had excuses last start, while Royal Supremacy arrives off an impressive on-speed victory at the track. International visitor Enfjaar brings early pace, with Starford and Cosmic Crusader adding depth to a fascinating Cup.
Market: no significant moves since opening.
Caulfield R10 — Nationwide Tristarc Stakes · Group 2 · 1400m · Mares
Concord Connie was narrowly beaten after covering ground fresh and rises to 1400m with a lighter weight. Shadhavar is well treated at the weights and should be prominent throughout, while Guerite backs up after an unlucky fifth behind Point Barrow last Saturday. Gold Medallist has been consistently competitive and Butternut Princess can improve with a cleaner passage.
Market mover: Butternut Princess has firmed from $18.00 into $13.00.
Randwick
Track: Soft 7 at the time of checking
Randwick R5 — The Kosciuszko · $2 million Feature · 1200m
Chidiac, Gallant Star and Lisztomania return after filling three of the first four positions last year. Chidiac has trialled well and gets James McDonald aboard, while Chains Of Love also impressed in a recent Scone trial ahead of her return. Lord Remlap has been in strong form and Cruizingthestars should enjoy an economical run from barrier two.
Market mover: Chains Of Love has firmed from $6.50 into $5.00.
Randwick R6 — Toyota Forklifts Sydney Stakes · Group 3 · $2 million · 1200m
Golden Slipper winner Marhoona comes through two runs behind Tempted and returns to a more suitable assignment after drawing favourably. Overpass returns from an overseas campaign, having won this race in 2024, while Charm Stone and Jokers Grin add established sprinting form to a strong supporting feature.
Market movers: Wanaruah has firmed from $41.00 into $26.00, Napoleonic has firmed from $13.00 into $11.00, and Skybird has firmed from $10.00 into $9.00.
Randwick R7 — The TAB Everest · $20 million Feature · Weight-for-Age · 1200m
Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising returns chasing consecutive Everest victories and a remarkable 22nd straight win. Tempted finished runner-up last year and has been unbeaten since, while Joliestar brings an outstanding record in elite Randwick sprint company. The early tempo and rain-affected track will be major factors, with Ka Ying Rising expected to settle close to the speed.
Market movers: Angel Capital has firmed from $51.00 into $41.00, Joliestar has firmed from $18.00 into $16.00, and Tempted has firmed from $5.50 into $5.00.
Randwick R8 — Silver Eagle · 4YO · $1.5 million · 1300m
Skyhook has continued to develop into a serious performer and should enjoy a favourable run behind Beiwacht. The latter drops back into his preferred distance range after racing over 1200m last start, while Decorum steps up from benchmark company for a major test. The race provides an important lead-up to the $10 million Golden Eagle in a fortnight.
Market movers: Decorum has firmed from $11.00 into $8.00, while Beiwacht has firmed from $3.50 into $3.20.
Randwick R9 — King Charles III Stakes · Group 1 · Weight-for-Age · 1600m
Autumn Glow returns to the mile and faces a fascinating clash with Pride Of Jenni, who should ensure a searching tempo. Two-time defending champion Ceolwulf comes through the Epsom and gets blinkers, although he has been beaten by Autumn Glow in all five previous meetings. Pride Of Jenni arrives off another Feehan Stakes victory, setting up a high-class contest between three very different racing styles.
Market mover: Ceolwulf has firmed from $4.40 into $3.50.
Editorial at The Daily Punt, covering Australian racing and sport with an eye for where the value sits.
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