10/10/20 Best Bets for the Group 1 Toorak Handicap
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- Author: Jackson FrantzOct 09, 2020 09:47 AM
- Photo: AAP
Godolphin set for Group 1 glory
The Toorak Handicap presents as a wide-open affair, with leading market contenders Buffalo River and Junipal stepping into what looks to be one of the weaker Group 1 contests of the spring.
While Cascadian, Mr Quickie, Superstorm and So Si Bon bring proven Group form into the clash, they’re significantly disadvantaged at the weights and the market reflects that.
So, in this year’s edition of the time-honoured mile feature, will we see class prevail? Or, will those benefited by the handicapper salute?
Track Conditions
The track is currently rated a Soft 5 and with light rain and warm weather forecast across Melbourne over the next few days, expect racing to be in similar conditions.
The rail has been moved back into the true position, which indicates that the pattern of the day should be fair with equal opportunities offered for all horses.
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Caulfield Race 9 - Toorak Handicap 1600m (G1)
The Map 
Expect this year's Toorak Handicap to be run at a genuine tempo, with Buffalo River (5), Age Of Chivalry (15) and Sirrconi (11) all pressing forward to take up the running while Chief Ironside (3) Achernar Star (1) and Sikandarabad (10) lob in behind.
Superstorm (13) and Cascadian (6) will be ridden cold and can storm home late if they get clear air down the outside.
Look for Mr Quickie (2) to be buried behind runners from the soft barrier, while Junipal (9) can take a sit just off midfield with cover and produce late.
There’s no clear map horse, but if you’re looking for a leaning it’d be I Am Superman (7). He looks set to get a perfect run from the midfield draw, camping just behind the speed with cover.
Analysis & Tips 
1st Cascadian $11
Happy to be with the class runner of the race from the Godolphin yard, who looks set to peak here fourth-up and finally finding a mile.
The way he hit the line in race-fastest late splits in the Memsie Stakes over 1400m two starts back indicates that he’s ready for the rise in distance.
His unplaced effort last start behind Behemoth was a horror show and would’ve taken little out of the tank.
He’s a proven wet track performer, proven miler and with any luck in transit he’ll be winning if the track plays as expected.
2nd Superstorm
Extended to 2000m last start and wasn’t disgraced against good opposition, beaten only 2 lengths behind Very Elleegant and Finche while finishing alongside Master Of Wine.
Now fourth-up and dropping down to a mile off the quick back-up, looks like a perfect recipe for success.
I like that he’s drawn outside and if Pike can time his run to perfection, he’s the one to beat. If he can recapture his second in the All-Star Mile at this track and trip in March, look out.
3rd Buffalo River
Well weighted with only 53kg and looks the obvious winner on paper, with the barrier and track conditions to suit.
The major knock for me is the class factor and speed engaged, which could see him vulnerable to the swoopers late.
He can certainly win, but I’m not willing to take $4 for a horse who is yet to prove himself at this level.
4th Junipal
Another genuine winning chance, who maps to get a nice run with cover just behind midfield.
He’s been in superb form this this preparation with two wins and a third from three starts, and he thrives over the Caulfield mile.
A win won’t surprise, but I’m happy to look elsewhere at the price.
