Where does te each-way value lie in this weekend's Caulfield Cup?(credit:
Matthew Dobson)
A really tough Caulfield Cup this year but where there is an even spread of horses there is value, especially with the big pools in place!
Probably best to have a few each-way bets - you often get overs for the main chances in the major handicaps.
I have found it an especially hard race to narrow down but feel I won't be far away with Kirklees and Predatory Pricer.
The international pair of Cima de Triomphe and Kirklees create interest. The former is well fancied mainly due his trainer Luca Cumani having a proven track record here - his runners going close in the last two Melbourne Cups.
Often with the chances of visitors it is more how they travel and settle in that how strong their form is - though of course they have to have that touch of class.
On that score Kirklees looks to have the upper hand, being proven at Group level and easily winning his last three. And he has already won after travelling, having campaigned in the UK and Dubai .
Only just beaten by Efficient in the Turnbull Stakes last time out, Predatory Pricer is a great looking horse racing well.
It is in the minds of many that a half brother to a sprinting star like Takeover Target would be a doubt at 2400m but taking his form on face value he is a major threat.
Viewed is just one of three Caulfield Cup runners for master trainer Bart Cummings. AJC Derby winner Roman Emperor is another and last weekend's Toorak victor Allez Wonder the other.
Roman Emperor has enjoyed a steady campaign leading into this, proving competitive without really catching the eye in weight-for-age races. Pretty much a Bart preparation! He has drawn well and is of course proven at the trip.
Allez Wonder also has form at distance (third in last year's Oaks) but she is only fourth up here, stepping straight up from 1600m. Against that she has no weight on her back and Michelle Payne is riding confidently.
Red Ruler was also sound in the Turnbull and the Underwood before that and he is bred for a trip. Barrier 14 a little tricky but Danny Nikolic is in great form - winning the Caulfield Guineas last Saturday.
Vigor was favourite for this race after his Makybe Diva Stakes victory and he was expected to go right on for that. Things haven't quite gone to plan however, the stablemate to Master O'Reilly not having a lot of luck at his last couple. And barrier 22 makes it tough!
C'est La Guerre was shaping well early this preparation but has been a shade disappointing at his last couple. It may be however that he is simply not a weight-for-age horse at this stage and that the return to handicap conditions will suit.