Caulfiled Tips: Cup Preview 2018

Our nations premier mile and a half race usually attracts a gun field. This year's edition however, appears to be a little light on local talent, with only a handful of genuine chances amongst the Australian entrants.

Look for two international raiders in particular to dominate, where tempo will of course be key and a potentially fast run race likely to set it up well for the northern hemisphere hard heads.

 Caulfield Track Traits

Caulfield is currently rated a Good 4 with the rail out 6m the entire circuit and wet conditions predicted for Saturday.

With the rail out we can default to on-speed having a slight advantage, however for this staying feature expect the speed to be on in any case.

As always a close watch is advised to determine any bias evident throughout the early part of the card.

 Racing Market Movers

There has been some early money for Ace High who has firmed into $11 from $13 openers, whilst there's been no love for Mighty Boss, blowing out to $91 from an opening quote of $51. 

 Key Runners

#1 Best Solution $15

Godolphin's northern hemisphere teams always send a high-quality Cups horse and this runner looks to be just that, after winning his last three (the past two were at Group 1 level).

The Dubai team are always desperate to take home silverware and they have already struck following Benbatl's victory in the Caulfield Stakes last week.

His Group 1 form is enormous and even with the rigours of travel and the question marks over adjustment to our local conditions, simply cannot ignore the class.

Must be considered at odds.

#2 Thecliffsofmoher $7

Big spruik about this runner right across the industry and he did run well at Group 1 level last start in the Caulfield Stakes, when he finished a close up 4 of 11.

Going off that run, he should relish the extra distance up to 2,400 here and looks likely to simply eat it.

He is likely to drift back along the rail from gate 3, however with any luck will be storming late.

Remains firm in early betting and the track tout push is extremely strong.

Plenty of ticks however with Bowman to ride, it represents a slight risk considering the potential "self preservation" for Winx in the Cox Plate. You can expect he won't be taking needle eye openings here and risk suspension. 

Regardless, this horse must go on top. 

#6 Ace High $13 > $11

Last year's VRC derby winner, who is coming along nicely this prep and is another who will appreciate the step up in distance.

He won the Hill Stakes at Randwick last start when beating two smart ones in It's Somewhat and Egg Tart, which will have him topped off for this and peaking.

Love that Damien Oliver jumps on board as he usually takes his pick and can have this runner close to speed with every chance if they go steady up front.

Leading hope. 

#8 Durretto $23

One of the northern hemisphere runners who has to be considered at a price in this. 

He brings strong form from well beyond 2400m and that can be significant if riders decide to go warp speed up front.

Having won last start at Listed level over 2800m in the UK, he fits a Cups horse brief to a tee and can suck up along the inside, all the way from gate 1.

Very wary that the international raiders may have the wood on us this year and he looks great value at $23. Could surprise a few here.

#12 Mighty Boss $51 > $91

Has some merit at a big price following his last start effort, where he kept grinding away over 2000m at Group 1 level and appeared to be looking for further.

The stable have had a big spruik on the horse all the way through and he could easily prove them right, now up to the true staying trip.

Last year's Caulfield Guineas winner will need a peach of a ride from gate 14, however cannot put the pen through completely, especially at the juicy odds. Can shock.

#14 Kings Will Dream $5

Has been the reigning favourite for this race throughout most of early betting and retains that position for now.

The lead up runs have been good, where at the latest he did run on from a midfield position to place 3 of 10 in the Turnbull Stakes.

All runs this prep point to a win over further ground here and his wins last preparation were too impressive to ignore. Top chance.

#17 Nights Watch $16

Is on the way up since bursting onto the scene this Spring and although he's not as seasoned as some of these staying hard heads, he can certainly be competitive here.

Last start he ran on strongly from well back over the 2000m journey of the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes.

That form is excelent and the nature of the run points to him eating up the 2400m.

Draws out in gate 18, however will be getting back in the field as per the usual pattern, hence no huge disadvantage.

Looks value at the current $16.

#18 Youngstar $6

Potential superstar who took all before her over the Brisbane Winter carnival, where she won the Queensland Oaks and was unlucky not to secure the Derby when thrown in against the best of the 3yo boys.

Was a huge run to get so close to Winx last start and a repeat of that run would see her winning this.

The Waller stable are the best in the business when targeting these big staying features and it would take a brave punter to oppose her.

Very wary and goes in everything.

Of The Others

#13 Homesman is the likely leader and could carve across to "rack and stack" them. Appears value and if he can achieve cheap sectionals up front, he will be kicking all the way down the straight. 

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