Caulfield Cup 2017 early mail from Matt Buckland

Caulfield is in readiness for its biggest day of the year on Saturday, the $3.15M Caulfield Cup, and I am predicting an International runner to take one of Australia’s coveted prizes in racing.

This race is like the minor premiership race for thoroughbreds in Australia and across the globe.  It’s a highly prestigious award to win but most of the runners have their eyes set on the bigger Cup in two weeks’ time at Flemington.  I think it plays out like this for punters too. We watch the lead-up races, locally and abroad throughout the year, looking for that run that says they’re a genuine contender for one of the two big cups in spring.

I have been anticipating the appearance of two horses for this race for some time. One in particular has shown all the traits of a Caulfield Cup winner. The good news for punters is that they both represent great value and I’ll be playing both on an each-way basis.

Marmelo (GB) - although the stable are cheekily saying that this is a “stepping stone run” for the big one on 7 November, my contact in the UK says that connections are very happy with this runner’s progress. At odds of $17 the win and $5 the place you can’t let him go around without you. Marmelo’s most recent run was a lead all the way victory in the Prix Kergorlay over 3000m, a race that Amercain and Protectionist both won before coming here to win the Melbourne Cup.

Ventura Storm - has been set for the Melbourne Cup all along however a win here this weekend wouldn't surprise. I loved what the Hayes' and Dabernig camp have done with the horse this preparation. Ventura Storm ran on superbly for second behind Winx in the Turnbull most recently and before that a nice sixth in the Makybe Diva Stakes. He has had one go over the Caulfield Cup trip, for one win and looks ready to replicate that here fourth up.

Over to Randwick and nothing much has changed, with the rail out 9 metres I’m expecting the track to suit on pace runners although keep your eyes on the state of the track as rain hits Sydney on Friday.

Isorich - Race 9 - got to love this horse and the bookies keep putting him up at huge odds. He has won for us twice now at $20 plus and again he goes up at $15. Going to jump on today to make sure we don’t miss the price. He handles the good or soft so if the rain that is forecast for Friday does come, it shouldn’t worry him. Last 5 starts have produced 3 wins and 2 thirds – hopefully we get another big run on Saturday!