For countless punters across the country, attention turns to Melbourne this Saturday to host the 2023 Caulfield Cup.
A strong field has been assembled for the age-old Group 1 2400m race at 5.15pm, with the winner taking home $3 million in prize money.
First organized in 1879, the handicap distance race is seen by many who enjoy it as an important build-up to Australia’s biggest race, the Melbourne Cup, on the first Tuesday in November.
Starting Friday, Gold Trip got a $5 chance to salute, while West Wind Blows ($7) and Soulcombe ($7.50) were also popular early selections.
Below is Daily Mail Australia’s runner-by-runner guide to the Caulfield Cup.
For countless punters from across the country, attention turns to Melbourne this Saturday to host the 2023 Caulfield Cup (photo, pre-race favorite Gold Trip)
The punters will be active at Caulfield on Saturday, with the cup over 2400 meters at 5.15pm
1 – Golden journey (barrier 11) 2022 Melbourne Cup winner who loves the big stage. His recent victory in Turnbull was incredible. Likely.
Chances: Profit – $5, $2.15 place
Jockey: Ben Melham
Trainer: Ciaron Maher and David Eustace
2 – Without a fight (barrier 7)
Usually an 1800m runner, so the extra distance could be an issue. Some punters have jumped on it early, the quality jockey in Mark Zahra can’t hurt either.
Chances: Profit – $7, $2.80 place
Jockey: Mark Zahra
Trainer: Anthony and Sam Freedman
3 – Breaking up (barrier 5)
Talented Japanese starter who has to be there when it counts. Also building towards a run in the Melbourne Cup.
Chances: Profit – $9.50, $3.30 place
Jockey: Damien Lane
Trainer: Tatsuya Yoshioka
Montefilia is ridden by Blake Shinn and in-form jockey Nash Rawiller has been suspended
The first race at Caulfield will be held and won at 12.15pm, guaranteeing a long day for punters at the track
4 – Montefilia (barrier 9)
It has been going well for years, but has found the winning form at the perfect time. Her run in the Hill Stakes at Rosehill was impressive, rocketing to the line late on to claim the Group 2 race. Distance won’t be a problem either. Lurking as a value bet.
Chances: Profit – $13, $4.20 place
Jockey: Blake Shinn
Trainer: Chris Waller
5 – Francesco Guardi (barrier 15)
Superstar jockey James McDonald weighs just 54kg, which is significant in itself. Needs a bit of luck, but a capable type.
Chances: Profit – $17, $5 place
Jockey: James McDonald
Trainer: Chris Waller
6 – West wind blowing (barrier 2)
Won many admirers after his smart run in the Turnbull. Questions about his temperament occasionally.
Chances: Profit – $7, $2.70 place
Jockey: Jamie Spencer
Trainer: Simon and Ed Crisford
7 – Nonconformist (barrier 19)
Was solid in the Might And Power Stakes but looms as an outside hope.
Chances: Win – $41, $10 place
Jockey: Harry Coffee
Trainer: Graham Begg
Richmond Tigers AFL stars Jayden Short, Tom Lynch and Jack Riewoldt (right) are co-owners of Soulcombe
8 – Zielcombe (barrier 6)
Could be a poor starter but is currently flying, with encouraging recent runs in the Underwood Stakes and Turnbull Stakes. Distance will not be a drama. Also partly owned by AFL stars Tom Lynch, Jayden Short and Jack Riewoldt.
Chances: Profit – $6.50, $2.80 place
Jockey: Craig Williams
Trainer: Chris Waller
9 – Duke De Sessa (barrier 14)
Big improvement, but probably one for the future, unlike this weekend.
Chances: Win a $35, $8.50 seat
Jockey: John Allen
Trainer: Ciaron Maher and David Eustace
10 – Hoo Ya mail (barrier 8)
He had every chance in the Hill Stakes in Sydney, but was beaten by Montefilia. Give preference to others.
Chances: Win a $15 seat, $4.60
Jockey: Tim Clark
Trainer: Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott
11 – You’re right (barrier 13)
You may struggle to leave an impression on this Group 1 pitch.
Chances: Win a seat from $41, $8.50
Jockey: Michael Dee
Trainer: Ciaron Maher and David Eustace
12 – Emissary (barrier 4)
Went missing in the Turnbull Stakes and suspect it will be a similar story here.
Chances: Win a seat from $81, $17
Jockey: Jye McNeil
Trainer: Michael Moroney
Racing royalty Gai Waterhouse has two Caulfield Cup runners in Hoo Ya Mal and Goldman
13 – Goudman (barrier 18)
Six months ago he was listed as an $8 shot at the Melbourne Cup. Now he races with limited confidence. It will be a big shock if he wins.
Chances: Win a seat from $61, $15
Jockey: Linda Meech
Trainer: Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott
14 – Okita Soushi (barrier 12)
The best form is above 2400 meters, so he wants a real pace to be a realistic opportunity. But has the quality to win.
Chances: Win a seat from $26, $4.80
Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy
Trainer: Joseph O’Brien
15 – Fame (barrier 16)
Things are going well, but the step forward in the classroom is significant.
Chances: Win a seat from $151, $26
Jockey: Craig Newitt
Trainer: Peter G Moody and Katherine Coleman
16 – Bois D’Argent (barrier 3)
Capable, but not here. Gamblers are offered three-figure odds to pull off a big heist, which tells the story.
Chances: Win an $81, $20 seat
Jockey: Winona Costin
Trainer: Annabel Neasham
17 – Ghost Ridge (barrier 10)
He’s racing well, but I don’t see him flashing through this field.
Chances: Win a $31 seat, $8.50
Jockey: Dean Yendall
Trainer: Annabel Neasham
18 – Brave king (barrier 1)
Needs some luck, Jamie Kah, because the hoop is a good start.
Chances: Win an $11 place, $3.70
Jockey: Jamie Kah
Trainer: Joseph O’Brien
Talented hooper Jamie Kah will ride Valiant King in the Caulfield Cup on Saturday
Meanwhile, Bet Right CEO Anthony Waller has predicted a stunning upset at Caulfield in the Chris Waller-trained Francesco Guardi.
“It has real appeal at $18,” he told Daily Mail Australia.
‘The import was first noticed last year when he was a dominant winner in the Moonee Cup… he was immediately pinned (then) with the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups in mind.
“Francesco Guardi has been doing well since he resumed the season and looks ready to give his best on Saturday.”
Waller also believes securing the services of superstar jockey James McDonald aboard Francesco Guardi could be crucial.
“It’s a huge positive, J-Mac is no stranger to Group 1 success, but victory in the Caulfield Cup has eluded him so far,” he said.
“James also rarely rides at 54kg, so his dedication 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 a danger for Francesco Guardi.
Champion jockey will be aboard Francesco Guardi, who has an $18 chance
Under new trainer Chris Waller, Montefilla is ready to finally realize her potential.
Blake Shinn will take over, with Nash Rawiller suspended.
And for those looking for value, Waller believes Maverick ($41) is good enough to stun its rivals.
Bet Right’s valued customers have wasted no time with their selections, with ‘solid betting support for Gold Trip to clinch back-to-back Caulfield Cups.”
Elsewhere, Valiant King opened at $21 and is currently worth $9, with Japanese horse Breakup well supported to $9.
Selections for correct deployment:
1. Francesco Guardi
2. Golden journey
3. Montefilia
Bet Right’s Best Rough Man: Nonconformist