The action comes thick and fast around the country on Saturday. The form has been done and the team are ready to kick-start the massive day ahead.
Eagle Farm Race 8 Tip #4 Top Order $9.50
Our focus this week is on the stayers in the listed Queensland Cup over 2400m.
This Kim Anderson trained back-marker gives every indication he is crying out for this trip.
Two starts back he reeled in the current race favourite (Honorable Spirit) and defeated him by 1.5 lengths.
He has a 3kgs swing in his favour from that run and looks more suited at the distance.
Last start he was rearward and ran on well for fourth behind the tearaway leader and winner, Navy Cross.
He was the one finishing off best over the final 100 metres and drops 3kgs to 54kgs.
Regular rider Taylor Marshall knows this horse well and will settle back again from the wide gate.
He is great value considering some of these will be wilting in the straight, while he is powering home hard.
Caulfield Race 2 Tip #2 Buffalo River $3.30
Front runner who looks well placed to return to the winner’s circle here.
He tired in the closing stages first-up in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes after leading, but was only beaten 4 lengths.
There will be a lot less pressure here, so he can dominate from the front.
Damien Oliver goes back on and has had five rides on him for four wins and a second.
He’s a winner this track and distance, races well second-up and likes the sting out of the track.
This looks tailor made for him.
Caulfield Race 9 Tip #4 Elephant $5.50
This looks a great chance for the Kiwi to notch up his maiden Australian Group 1 win.
He was brilliant first up at the track, running a solid time of 1.23.12 over the 1400m.
Comparatively, the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes was won by Sierra Sue in 1.23.07.
Elephant then went agonisingly close to a Group 2 win second up, nabbed by Superstorm on the line after a miraculous rail-hugging ride by Damien Oliver.
Back on top of the ground last start at Sandown, Elephant lumped the 58.5kg to victory.
He settled brilliantly behind the speed and the last 200m was the difference in the race. Elephant exploded for a comfortable win and to my eye was not fully unleashed.
Firm ground is important for Saturday with showers due late in the afternoon.
From barrier 5 and with good gate speed, Lane can position one pair back and get the run when they peel on the turn.
Back to 55.5kgs additionally helps.
A Kiwi for the Toorak.
Ascot Race 8 Tip #4 Battle Storm $4.40
I don't think we have seen the best of Battle Storm for some time, and there has been some bad luck along the way.
This time last year he was less then 2 lengths off Elite Street, who went on to win the Group 1 Winterbottom.
The now lightly raced 7 year old has had one run in a year and off the back of an impressive trial, looks primed to go here.
Expect to hear Darren McAulay say "sparks are flying early" as there is an abundance of speed in this race.
From barrier 2, Battle Storm will be able to drop out the back and if he can settle behind main danger Miss Conteki, that will be very advantageous.
In his customary Cerise and White silks, Pike can swoop over the top of them in what could be a big day for the combination.
Randwick Race 8 Tip #2 Profondo $3.30
I don't usually keep following horses once they break their maiden and especially if they get up into this grade.
However, I went back and watched the replay from last start and to my eye Profondo came off the bit later than Head of State .
I've heard some talk around this morning that Head of State should be clear favourite.
Each to their own, but I'm happy to have a different opinion that this guy has more upside, being lightly raced.
He over-raced early last start so if he can get a bit more speed on here, I think he can settle better.
This should allow him to unleash a sprint late and finish over the top of them