26/9/20 Caulfield Tips and best bets
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- Author: Lewis WilloughbySep 24, 2020 01:08 PM
- Photo: AAP
Best Plays for Underwood Stakes Day
Caulfield plays host to an outstanding afternoon of top level racing, with the Group 1 Underwood Stakes being the highlight race of the afternoon.
The track is currently rated a Good 4, but there are some large downpours expected in Melbourne over the next 48 hours. If it eventuates as expected, we could be looking at a Heavy track come race one.
The rail is out 6m the entire circuit and at this set-up, jockeys may opt to come off the fence especially if the track is wet.
Caulfield Race 4 Tip #6 Brooklyn Hustle $3.80
I'm siding with the enigma that is Brooklyn Hustle, who is coming off two strong runs this campaign.
She is a dual acceptor in the Group One Moir Stakes, but I expect connections to opt for this event instead given the challenging racing conditions which are likely to evenuate on Friday night.
First-up over 1000m at The Valley, she settled near last and unleashed her explosive turn of foot to win by 3.5 lengths eased down over the line.
She then went to the Group 2 McEwen Stakes at the same track and trip, and fought hard through the line behind Bella Vella. Her last 200m sectional was very strong in 10.82, which was 0.02 seconds off the fastest.
It was pleasing to see them ride her more positively in that clash, and the fact she finished off strong proves to me that she doesn't have to be ridden cold to be at her best.
I'm banking on the tip that Alfa Oro will run on Friday night, and if that happens I think Brooklyn Hustle will be extremely hard to beat.
There doesn't look to be much pace in this race, so from barrier 2 she should sit prominently in the run and find a 'one out one back' position.
Her two runs on a soft track have been good, she drops in grade and also drops in weight.
She carries 6kg less than Order Of Command, and coming out to the 1200m now third-up should be ideal.
Caulfield Race 9 Tip #8 Nonconformist $3.70
Happy to be with Nonconformist in the last, who I thought returned to the races in excellent order when racing fresh here at Caulfield.
The gelding was ridden quiet over the 1400m in that clash and needed room on the turn.
He got clear running with about 250m to go and let down extremely well, making up multiple lengths to figure in the finish.
He ran the quickest closing sectionals of the race, and that was off the back of an even tempo set by Sir Kalahad in the lead.
Second-up and stepping out to the 1700m is ideal, as is the 0.5kg drop in weight as he stays in the same grade.
With some added fitness now, I expect them to ride a touch closer from barrier 11 and hopefully find a spot one-out midfield or just behind.
His two runs on wet tracks have both been wins for a combined total of 8.25 lengths, so there is obviously no doubting his ability on soft going.
This looks a competitive end to the day, but Nonconformist should be able to send us all home a winner.
For a list of all the tipsters who have posted Caulfield tips for Saturday's racing meet, checkout the dedicated page at theGreatTipOff.com.
