Caulfield Review – February 3, 2024
-
by Ben Clifton
-
Australian Racing News
-
5 February, 2024
Caulfield Meeting Review
Date: 03/02/24
Track: Good 4
Rail: 9m
Race 1: BM (70) – 1200m
Tempo: Went very slow early.
Race Overview: Overall time was just outside standard time for this class but given the slow early sectionals that is hardly surprising.
Diamond Decorator ($17) – Had some glimpses of ability before its spell rating well in its maiden. Run to suit here, and big SP probably leads to me to think it won’t be able to hold its rating next start.
Lost ($3.30) – The best horse in the race who mathematically couldn’t run down the leader. Can be followed in similar grade going forward.
Last Word: Not loving the race but I think Lost can win a race this campaign.
DIAMOND DECORATOR got the job done in the first.
Race 2: BM (70) – 1800m
Tempo: Went very hard early.
Race Overview: Not for the feint hearted this race. Last sectional was no good and there were some tired horses late.
Justaboom ($6) – Was coming out of a fast tempo at Pakenham so had a good grounding for the way this race was run. Nice run behind the tempo and too strong late. Looks like he will get 2000m plus but not sure about him after this gut-buster.
Smokin’ Giant ($3.20) – I didn’t have its maiden going any good despite the big margin and the market support in this race. Think he’s a big slug.
Last Word: Happy to avoid this race going forward.
JUSTABOOM went boom at Caulfield.
Race 3: BM (70) – 1100m
Tempo: Early tempo was strong enough to give everyone their chance.
Race Overview: Race has rated really well. Good time, good margins and good late sections.
Miss Icelandic ($4.80) – Run to suit but had to get it done. Very impressive. Big step up on previous ratings and hard to fault.
Bifrost ($13) – Was coming out of a good rating race and was held up here. Can win next start if placed right.
Johnny Rocker ($1.95) – Solid enough in the market but disgraceful effort. Maybe tried to ride it too warm to suit the pattern but very disappointing. Can hold onto the SP and previous run if you want to back him next start.
Last Word: Think the form will hold up from this race.
Horses to Follow: Bifrost.
BIFROST one to follow
Race 4: 2yo Group 3 – 1000m
Tempo: Moderate early tempo but they got going early.
Race Overview: Race has gone well. Great last sectional, good overall time and margins.
Coleman ($2.10) – I didn’t have its debut win rating as well as Eneeza but the market did. The way he sprinted at the top of the straight was in the manner of a good horse. Can win the Blue Diamond based on this race.
Eneeza ($2.40) – Distinct lack of intent in the way they rode this filly but ran home well considering the early tempo. Nice horse and wouldn’t be giving up on her.
Last Word: First 2 home are good horses.
Horses To Follow: Coleman, Eneeza.
COLEMAN was impressive at Caulfield on Saturday.
Race 5: BM (70) – 1400m
Tempo: Solid enough early tempo.
Race Overview: Overall time was 2 lengths inside standard and good late sectionals.
Punch Lane ($2.20) – Was disappointing last start but may have been in the worst part of the track. Bounced back to its previous promising rating. Nice horse.
Rumbled Again ($11) – Never put in the race. Would benefit with a stronger jockey.
Last Word: Winner can win more races, couple of horses to follow back in the field.
Horse to Follow: Rumbled Again
RUMBLED AGAIN another to follow
Race 6: BM (100) – 2400m
Tempo: Very slow early tempo
Race Overview: : Went very slow early and ran home ok. No margins.
Herman Hesse ($1.75) – Not a pretty watch for favourite backers. Got the win but don’t think it has more levels in it.
Last Word: Hard to get enthused by this race. They just take turns in this distance range.
Race 7: BM (78) – 1800m
Tempo: Moderate early tempo
Race Overview: Didn’t break standard for the class.
El Soleado ($11) – Lobbed in the perfect position and camp has the right feed at the moment. Getting to his level now and happy to oppose next start.
Moveforlex ($4.20) – Was 70 days between runs and went ok. Probably got the most improvement of the beaten brigade.
Last Word: Nothing potent about this race.
Race 8: G3 Bellmaine Stakes – 1200m
Tempo: Solid enough early tempo.
Race Overview: Margins fine and time ok. Some horses will improve out of this race.
Vagrant ($5.50) – Went to another level here. Hard to say he won’t keep progressing.
Penthouse ($5.50) – Was a long way up in grade but handled himself well. Likely to go up 8-10 ratings points so may have missed an opportunity but can win more races.
Party For One ($9) – Did enough first up and will be better suited at the 1400m. Come back well.
Wrote to Arataki ($3.5) – Raced outside the leader against hard fit horses. Did enough but will be looking for it 3rd up over 1400m.
Last Word: Sacking A Little Deep.
VAGRANT can he go to another level?
Race 9: BM (84) – 1100m
Tempo: Solid tempo.
Race Overview: Went out strongly but also came home well. These are good horses.
Rey Magnerio ($7) – Really nice horse. Came out of the Jungle Jim race at Flemington when he was in the wrong part of the track. I thought he might be reaching his ceiling but after this run he can win much better races than this.
Midtown Boss ($1.85) – Going into this race I thought he might be a Group 1 horse. Disappointed he didn’t win but I still think he has the scope to win a good race.
Last Word: Follow them all!
REY MAGNERIO , nice horse.
Race 10: BM (84) – 1400m
Tempo: Went out slightly quicker than standard to the 600.
Race Overview: Race has gone good. Good time and sectionals.
Jimmysstar ($1.65) – Relentlessly backed and didn’t disappoint. He’s going straight to the top. G1 horse.
Who Dares ($5) – Ran into a good horse. Ready to win again.
Last Word: Form will stack up out of this.
Horse To Follow: Jimmysstar
Horses to Follow:
- Jimmystar
- Rumbled Again
- Coleman
- Eneeza
- Bifrost