Caulfield Racing Underwood Stakes Preview 2018

The Underwood Stakes typically provides an excellent guide on finalising the path of many Spring stars.

This year's edition is no different, with plenty of runners still accepted for the big Cups and Plate racing to come later this Spring.

Those that can show a more dynamic turn of foot will push on to the Cox Plate, whilst a more dour exhibition will indicate the Caulfield and/Melbourne Cup as the preferred option.

The highlight will certainly centre around Charlie Appleby's attempt to capture two Group 1 wins over consecutive weeks, as he lines-up gelding Blair House.

 Race Caulfield Track Traits

Caulfield is currently rated a Good 4 with the rail in the true position the entire circuit and fine conditions predicted for this Sunday meeting.

With fine conditions and the rail in the True, we can default to a neutral pattern where both on pace and run-on profiles should have a fair opportunity.

As always, a close watch early is advised to establish if any sections of the track are providing a fast lane.

 Racing Market Movers

 Early support in betting has been seen for Blair House, who has been backed from $6.50 into $5.00. Favourite Grunt has been on the drift, out to $3.30 from $2.90 openers, with Humidor also softening from $3.70 to $4.60. All other runners remain steady.

 Key Runners

#2 Humidor $3.70 > $4.60

Brilliant second-up winning the Group 1 Memsie here over 1400m, then slightly disappointing last start when he finished 7 of 12 in the Makybe Diva at Flemington.

He looked to be warming up nicely late at the recent outing and that bodes well for the 1800m here.

Damian Lane will get well back from the inside gate and there is a slight concern he gets buried along the inside. 

However with the small field, there should be an opportunity to peel off and run home hard. Leading chance. 

#5 Comin' Through $7.50  

Not all went to plan last start in the Makybe Diva, when he was forced to steady and race four wide for a period before reeling off some impressive sectionals to get home hard into sixth position.

He looks to get a dream run and possess the tactical speed to jump well and find the leader's back from a luxury draw in gate 2.

Jockey Michael Walker has a great association with the Kiwi ownership group and there will be no lack of effort on his part.

Gets the run of the race and will be in it for a long way.

#7 Blair House $6.50 > $5 

Godolphin UK trainer Charlie Appleby can do no wrong when he sets foot in Australia and has already pilfered the feature Melbourne Group 1 from last week, with Jungle Cat winning the Sir Rupert Clarke.

There is no reason why he can't do it again here with this classy gelding, who won at Group 1 level two starts back and arrives here fresh off a 26 week break.

He looks to be somewhat of a distance specialist, with the Group 1 win also coming over 1800m and an overall record of (3:2-0-0) at this trip.

Very happy to jump on board the Appleby bandwagon here and he goes on top.

#8 Homesman $8

Team Williams always have a good one at this time of year and this gelding looks one of their best cups hopes.

They will be expecting a big performance here following the Dato Tan Chin Nam first-up at Moonee Valley, where he chased strongly all the way to the line for a close second.

Will have the added advantage of sitting close to speed, which could come in handy if the race is slowly run.

Looks good value at the current $8 in betting, considering significant speed map favours. Yes.

#9 Grunt $2.90 > $3.30

High quality 4yo colt who was breathtaking in winning the Makybe Diva last start, in one of the more dominant displays this Spring.

Could be a very special one and now has two Group 1 races to his name from three attempts.

There is no reason he won't add to that tally here and from the outside gate (10), gun rider Damien Oliver will look to punch him straight to the front and dictate.

Only has to show a fraction of his brilliance from last start to be winning this and looks the winner if left alone up front. 

Of The Others

#10 Bonneval is the defending champion for this race after a dynamic win here last year.

There was money for her fisrt up this prep and if they back her again late it could be telling. Can win.