Race 7 – 3:45PM – Schweppes Thousand Guineas (1600m)
1. Apocalyptic – $2.05 win / $1.30 place
There’s no mistaking the elite profile here. The Freedman-trained filly is a weapon of precision — three wins from her last three, including a dominant Flight Stakes victory in Sydney where she stalked the speed and exploded off a 33.7 last 600m. Mark Zahra replaces Tommy Berry, but that only enhances confidence. She’s already beaten several of these in easier fashion than the margin suggests. Maps ideally from barrier 4, controls the race tempo, and brings the Sydney G1 formline that usually stands up when they hit Melbourne. Looks bombproof on a Good 4. The one to beat, and perhaps by panels.
3. Ole Dancer – $5.50 win / $1.95 place
Moody and Coleman have this daughter of Ole Kirk peaking at the right time. Was luckless two back and then ran a neck second in the Prelude at Sandown, doing her best work late. She’s thriving into the mile, and Blake Shinn stays aboard — a huge tick given how he lifted her through the line last start. Needs a perfect tempo to peel off the back of Apocalyptic but if she gets it, she’s the only one with the motor to test her late.
4. Getta Good Feeling – $9.00 win / $2.90 place
There’s upside here, and her Manifold win at Flemington proved she handles the mile with purpose. Danny O’Brien’s fillies often progress sharply when they strike form, and she looks to have that ‘second peak’ potential. The tempo is the key; if they go too slow, she might be left flat-footed, but if Zahra presses forward and injects some pace, expect her to be flashing late. Genuine exotics chance at double figures.
6. Salty Pearl – $21.00 win / $4.80 place
A grey who keeps improving with racing. Consistent, tough, and now gets blinkers for the first time — which might sharpen her into the contest earlier. She was a narrow third in the Prelude and her sectional data screams she’s looking for 1600m. From barrier 6, Allen will try to slot midfield with cover, and if the blinkers light her up, she’s a smoky for a place.
Race 8 – 4:30PM – Sportsbet Moonga Stakes (1400m)
1. Here To Shock (NZ) – $7.00 win / $2.40 place
The iron horse of the Hayes yard returns to his pet trip. His pattern is well known — rolls forward, breaks hearts, and dares the rest to run him down. Has been knocking heads with Group 1 milers and now finds a race with the right shape to bounce. Forget the Memsie run; the speed map didn’t suit. Draws the paint here (barrier 1), and if Stackhouse controls it, he can pinch this on pure toughness.
2. Private Eye – $2.50 win / $1.35 place
Class. Pure and simple. Pride’s gelding has been top-shelf through Sydney’s early spring features, beating and pushing genuine G1 stars. He comes to Melbourne with proven form at Caulfield and the Lawrence Stakes win was an emphatic statement. Nash Rawiller knows him better than anyone, and this looks a final tune-up for richer prizes. Even with top weight, he’s the benchmark.
3. Willaidow – $16.00 win / $4.60 place
A brave on-pacer who’s run well above expectations in elite grade before. Conners has him humming after a strong first-up G2 fifth, and this distance suits far more than the 1200m of the Gilgai. Expect Jordan Childs to roll up on speed and try to pinch it mid-race — he’ll look beaten at the 200m but could hang on for a cheeky placing if the tempo is moderate. Worth including for value.
Race 9 – 5:15PM – Sportsbet Caulfield Cup (2400m)
4. Meydaan (IRE) – $9.50 win / $2.90 place
A serious European staying prospect from the Crisford team, who’s been crying out for firm ground. His UK form behind Al Aasy and Giavellotto is pure G2 quality, and the Caulfield Cup conditions suit — low draw, lightweight, and an in-form Atzeni to steer. If he adapts to Caulfield’s tight turns, he’s in this up to his ears. The sharp 2400m may actually play into his tactical speed.
6. Land Legend (FR) – $26.00 win / $6.50 place
Chris Waller’s import keeps finding the line without luck. The Underwood run was much better than it reads — clocked the second-best last 200m of the race. Needs tempo and luck from the wide alley, but with Mott aboard and a Good track, he’ll grind all day. The value runner to spice up the exotics.
15. Half Yours – $2.90 win / $1.50 place
This horse is airborne. Has built a winning picket fence through winter and spring culminating in a dominant Naturalism win here over 2000m. The son of St Jean screams out for 2400m and drops to a luxurious 52.5kg. Jamie Melham keeps the ride and barrier two means the perfect trail. If he handles the pressure of true G1 tempo, he could etch his name alongside the cult Caulfield Cup fairytales. A moral according to The Gov.
16. Royal Supremacy (IRE) – $16.00 win / $4.20 place
Ciaron Maher has timed this perfectly. The Metropolitan win in Sydney was no fluke — he rounded them up with authority and looked to have plenty in hand. The 52.5kg makes him a live lightweight chance again. Robbie Dolan knows how to nurse him through the gears. A real player late.
Race 10 – 5:50PM – Sharp EIT Solutions Tristarc Stakes (1400m)
1. Miraval Rose – $3.80 win / $1.55 place
Caulfield specialist who’s thriving this prep. Dominant in the Blazer at Flemington and prior to that controlled a high-class mares’ sprint from the front. She’s rock-hard fit, gets the gun gate, and looks set to dictate terms again under Jordan Childs. Her 1400m figures are elite and she’s clearly the one they all have to beat.
2. Splash Back (FR) – $4.40 win / $1.85 place
Stablemate to Miraval Rose, this French import just keeps improving. Her Stocks Stakes win at The Valley was professional — peeled widest and sustained a strong 36.1 last 600m. Has a lethal turn of foot when saved for one run, and Nash Rawiller should find cover midfield before unleashing. The obvious danger.
5. Abounding – $3.10 win / $1.50 place
Queensland star mare who’s holding her form brilliantly. She’s been around Magic Time, Tashi, and Lazzura — top-tier mares. Brings a strong on-speed style, and if Blake Shinn can slide across and get a sit, she’ll be right in the mix again. No knock — she’s a genuine G2 performer ready to strike.
7. Bossy Nic – $16.00 win / $4.60 place
Underrated and consistent. Back to her home deck suits and her Newcastle and Rosehill efforts were much better than the results show. If she gets tempo and can slot midfield with a tow, she’s a chance to sneak into the placings. Overs for a mare who loves Caulfield’s rhythm.
The Professor’s Plays
Best Bet: Apocalyptic (Race 7) – Sydney form, perfect map, supreme acceleration.
Best Value: Land Legend (FR) (Race 9) – sneaky improver who’ll relish tempo.
Each-Way Special: Ole Dancer (Race 7) – progressive filly peaking third-up.
Quaddie # (Races 7–10)
Leg 1 (R7): 1, 3, 4, 6
Leg 2 (R8): 1, 2, 3
Leg 3 (R9): 4, 6, 15, 16
Leg 4 (R10): 1, 2, 5, 7
Tomorrow’s meeting promises high-quality, genuine spring tempo across all four features — and The Professor expects class to rise when it matters most.
