26/02/22 Caulfield Tips for Blue Diamond & Oakleigh Plate
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- Author: James BeesonFeb 24, 2022 01:26 PM
- Photo: Getty
2YO's Chase Glory
Strap in for a huge day at Classic Caulfield with plenty of Group 1 racing, and a card well supported by a number of high-quality stakes races.
In the feature event of the day, the Blue Diamond Stakes, I am with a superstar who had genuine excuses last start. Can easily atone.
Whilst in the big Group 1 sprint of the Oakleigh Plate, the smart Maher/Eustace galloper can have them all covered.
Track Conditions
The Caulfield track is currently rated a Good 4 with the rail out 3m for the entire circuit.
Rain is predicted for the remainder of the week, with fine conditions on Saturday.
Caulfield is a tight turning track which suits on-speed profiles.
As always refer to the early races for a good guide on track bias.
Caulfield Race 7 - Blue Diamond Stakes 1200m (2YO, Group 1 Set Weights)
The Map 
- Semillion (16) will be forced to press forward from the outside draw to find a position and should come out humming.
- Miss Roseiano (9), English Riviera (4) and Waltz On By (1) are all likely to punch up, in an attempt to hold forward positions.
- Expect Daumier (5) and Counttheheadlightd(7) to both have the gun runs, midfield in the moving line.
- Race favourite Jacquinot (10) is some risk of being slowly away and rearward.
The Early Favourite $5.00 > $4.60
Jacquinot was a complete forgive run here last start over 1100m.
He was slowly away, then copped a check at a crucial stage.
Going off his previous run, where he won over the 1200m at Caulfield, he chalked up some impressive time figures.
There is a risk he could be slowly away, however if he steps, he will be very hard to beat.
Best Racing Tips 
The stable has a huge opinion of Jacquinot. Pushing aside the last start "car crash", he has the figures to be the dominant 2yo here.
He was excellent at this course over 1200m and looked to have plenty on them.
The one to beat if he steps with them.
Daumier has done everything right so far.
He gets blinkers for the first time which could add lengths, and with the Mark Zahra booking, confidence must be sky high.
He receives the gun run 3-wide in the moving line and with cover.
Counttheheadlights is the Maher/Eustace spruik horse who started favourite in the Prelude.
SP profile is generally a good indicator and after his midfield finish, he could be a touch forgotten by the market in this.
Looks the value.
Lofty Strike is progressing nicely through his 2yo year and arrives for the grand final unbeaten after 2 dominant wins.
The latest here at Caulfield in the Prelude showed he loves to sit back and hit the line hard.
If the tempo is fierce up front expect he will be mowing them down late.
- Jacquinot
- Daumier
- Counttheheadlights
- Lofty Strike
Caulfield Race 8 - Oakleigh Plate 1100m (Group 1 Hcp)
The Map
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Typically, they burn in this feature sprint and with any hint of leader bias, it could be run at absolute warp speed.
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Expect Marabi (2) and General Beau (7) both to burn early with Marabi the most likely to lead.
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Malkovich (4), Jonker (3) and Wild Ruler (6) should all be up there nice and close.
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Bella Nipotina (10) and Oxley Road (9) are the two that get the beautiful tag, 3-wide with cover in the moving line.
The Favourite
Marabi ($2.70) is very smart and holds favouritism for the Newmarket Handicap.
She was excellent at Moonee Valley last start, when winning the Group 2 Australia Stakes with ease.
This is harder, however she still looks untapped and could be a potential superstar.
First look at Group 1 level should be no issue.
Best Racing Tips
I'm clearly with Marabi who is motoring through the grades and has looked a Group 1 horse all the way through.
This is a stiff test, but she looks head and shoulders above these.
Given even luck, she will be winning here. Yes.
Bella Nipotina did not miss a place last preparation, including two wins.
She is all quality and given the right run can be very competitive.
I expect the favourite to be too good on this occason, however she can challenge if Marabi is off her game.
Zoutori has plenty in his favour, including being first-up (9:4-1-1).
Frosty is booked to ride for a highly motivated Mathew Ellerton.
The horse will be ready!
Oxley Road beware Moody!
He was good first up in the Rubiton when placing 2 of 7 here over same 1100m journey.
He should be fitter now and expect this was always the main target.
If more money arrives close to start time he can run well.
- Marabi
- Bella Nipotina
- Zoutori
- Oxley Road
