The Group 2 Rubiton Stakes over 1100m marks the return of fan favourite Greyworm, who will be out to add to his impressive fresh record.
Classy Godolphin gelding Viridine deserves a group victory after three solid efforts this time in, while Sword Of Mercy flies the flag for the airborne Ellerton & Zahra stable.
Star SA apprentice Kayla Crowther will ride Shamino for the in-form Phillip Stokes in her only ride for the day, while fellow SA galloper Garner will be out for vengeance after failing to taste success during the spring.
For the latest insight into how the Caulfield circuit is expected to play, read our preview of the Group 1 C F Orr Stakes here.
The Map
How Wowmantic (7) and Greyworm (5) look set to get the race on their own terms out in front, in what looks to be a race that lacks any real speed.
Causeway Girl (1) and Sword Of Mercy (4) can opt to settle in behind the speed from their low draws, while Viridine (9) and Shamino (10) look to find a position midfield with cover.
Analysis & Tips
1st Greyworm $4.20
I'm confident that the classy grey can add a maiden Group 2 victory to his resume here first-up off the back of two impressive trial victories.
He beat multiple Group 1 winner Trekking by 1.3 lengths fresh last Autumn, before running a brave seventh in The Shorts behind subsequent Everest winner Classique Legend in the spring.
Without a great deal of speed engaged here, he maps to get a lovely run controlling the tempo alongside How Wowmantic and I’d be shocked if he doesn’t run top three.
2nd Viridine
The clear danger to Greyworm can get back in the winner’s stall returning to Caulfield, after going under as the odds on favourite in last months Group 2 Australia Stakes.
He’s been superb since resuming behind Invictus Salute in November and with selective spacing between runs, he looks ready to peak fourth-up dropping back in trip.
The only knock is where he lands from barrier 9, but Damien Oliver will give him every conceivable chance.
3rd Sword Of Mercy
The Ellerton & Zahra stable have this girl flying this time in with two wins and a second from three attempts.
Two back, she accounted for Causeway Girl at this track and trip before finishing a brave second behind speedy WA mare Fabergino down the Flemington straight.
She’s better suited stepping back up in trip to 1100m but will need to go to a new level to match it with the two market leaders.
4th
GarnerThe Gordon Richards trained four-year-old was luckless in the spring and failed to notch up a win from four attempts.
Despite putting in a disappointing campaign by his standards, he did finish 1.25 lengths behind current Oakleigh Plate favourite, Ancestry.
I don’t think he can win this first-up, but he’s a must include in your quaddie and other exotic plays.