Caulfield Racing: Caulfield Stakes Preview 2018

This year's edition of the Caulfield Stakes is devoid of any genuine speed, aside from likely leader Homesman who looks set to get a picnic out in front with little pressure.

The race is stacked full of quality and talent, however many runners may find it beyond them to run home over the top of a moderate tempo.

Expect a number of the fancied run-on profiles to be ridden much closer to speed and this could be their only chance to figure in the finish.

The likely leader looks very hard to beat.

 Caulfield Track Traits

For the latest insight into how the Caulfield track is expected to play, read our preview of the Caulfield Stakes here.

 Racing Market Movers

 D'Argento has come in for strong support in early betting, firming from $6.00 to $4.40. Whilst Humidor is on the drift ($6.50 to $7.50).

 Key Runners

#1 Benbatl $6

Godolphin star who arrives with some very strong form lines from Dubai and Europe, where he has won two of his past five starts all at Group 1 level.

He still has to overcome the travel and what are generally harder Australian tracks, however if he can do that he is sure to be competitive in this.

Although he could account for this field with ease, i'm more inclined to favour the talented locals here considering the challenges the internationals must face.

The current $6.00 does not appeal. No.

#2 Humidor $6.50 > $7.50 

For the first time this prep, gets out to the 2000m distance he loves (7:3-2-1) and with the right run in transit, will relish the extra trip.

He will go back from gate 7 as per his usual pattern and from there, Damian Lane will look to slot into the running line two or three wide.

Slight concern he has found a race devoid of speed and that could work against his natural run-on profile and leave him with an impossible task.

The speed map has them crawling and this will make it too hard. No. 

#5 Thecliffsofmoher $11

Is the product of a partnership between Coolmore and Lloyd Williams, who race this gelding in partnership and present him here for the first time in Australia.

Lloyd obviously identified the horse as an excellent cups prospect and Coolmore were not willing to completely sell out.

That factor in itself is an excellent guide and whilst he has to overcome the same challenges all internationals face, Team Williams are the masters at it and will have him right.

Will race closer to speed and be very hard to get past in the straight. Leading chance.  

#6 Homesman $9.50

Was heavily backed late last start in betting ($6 into $4.40) when scoring in the Underwood.

The stable set him up perfectly for that betting sting and he is now well exposed to the market and hence possibly an unders quote this time around.

He finds another race where he can roll along in front under little pressure and if they serve it up to him on a platter and let him go, it will be lights out.

Can pull their pants down and with significant speed map favours, must go on top if $10+ can be secured.   

#7 Blair House $11

Slightly disappointing in the Underwood, where he finished 4 of 9 after having an awkward run before being held up over the concluding stages.

This race has more depth and he would need to improve dramatically to figure in the finish.

Can make a case for him, however in a slow run race, happy to bet around on this occasion with plenty of quality and talent elsewhere. No. 

#8 Night's Watch $9.50

Very talented and deserves his chance in a big Group 1.

Loved the win in the Naturalism where he got well back before storming late to run over the top of them all.

Expect him to cope with the jump in grade and although a slow run race is not his preferred style, they'll likely take a position close to the rail from gate 3, in order to give him every hope.

If ridden more positively, he can be in a striking position midfield and must be considered a leading chance.

#10 D'Argento $6.00 > $4.40

Just nabbed late in the Group 1 Epsom at Randwick by a smart one in Hartnell.

I feel Waller would have had him peaking on that day and a slight risk he has to get up again for this. However, all reports are that he trained the house down in a course proper gallop at Caulfield during the week and looks to be spot on.

He will simply eat up 2000m and has been crying out for the extra distance for a while now.

With any form of tempo will be right in the finish. Yes.

#12 Unforgotten $4.80

Won the Chelmsford in fine style when charging through the field to run home over the top, before suckering plenty of pros and mugs into backing him in the Epsom last start where she failed to fire as favourite ($4.40).

That below par run surprised many, where it appeared she is looking for further and hence can bounce back hard in this over 2000m.

She is another where the tempo will be key, however from a good draw in gate 5 they can choose to be closer and negate the lack of pace risks to some degree.

Up to this distance for the first time this prep and could easily blow them all away. 

Of The Others

None preferred.