We’re getting into the serious stuff in Melbourne, and it is hard to believe that we have already reached PB Lawrence Stakes Day!
The 1400m weight-for-age Group 2 is obviously the feature, but there are several quality races on the program including the Neds Vain Stakes.
I’ve done all the heavy lifting for you, and you can find my complete 2021 PB Lawrence Stakes Day Tips below.
Race 1 – 12:05PM – Thank You MRC Members Handicap, (1400m) – No. 5 So You Assume
So You Assume will take winning form into the first on PB Lawrence Day and looks well placed to make it two in a row.
The Shane Nichols-trained mare returned to winning form at Sandown early last month and only just missed in BM64 company two back, but charged in to score a well-deserved Saturday metro win at The Valley last time.
It could be a big day for the Nichols stable given they also have the PB Lawrence betting favourite Streets Of Avalon, and I am confident that this mare can at least get them off to a flying start.
Race 2 – 12:40PM – Neds Handicap, (1600m) – No. 4 Hi Stranger
Hi Stranger is another last-start winner who will take beating at Caulfield on Saturday.
The Zoffany gelding has finished worse than second only once in four starts back this time and has found form around some above average gallopers.
His last-start effort and win at The Valley suggested that he has found peak condition and he can go on with the job this week.
Race 3 – 1:15pm – Neds Filter Form Handicap, (1100m) – No. 1 Second Slip
He hasn’t been seen at the races since March, but Second Slip absolutely flies fresh, and he can make a winning return at Caulfield on Saturday.
The Alamosa gelding was nothing short of outstanding last prep, winning each of his first three starts and finishing second in Listed company most notably.
He returned an eye-catching trial at Balaklava last week and he’ll have the notable advantage of Jamie Kah in the saddle for this contest.
Race 4 – 1:55pm – Mark Mazzaglia Handicap, (1100m) – No. 3 Bella Nipotina
The Mark Mazzaglia Handicap has drawn an outstanding field of mares fitting of its name, and there is a case to be made for several, including stakes winner Bella Nipotina.
Bella Nipotina has been a strong and consistent performer in good races since making her debut, and she returned several typically tough efforts during her autumn prep this year.
I thought that there was a lot to like about her resuming effort for third in the Healy Stakes at Eagle Farm in late June and while she is now six weeks between starts, I think she’ll be tough to run down in something like this.
Race 5 – 2:35pm – IVE Print Handicap, (1600m) – No. 5 Jumbo Ozaki
I’m going to have another crack at Jumbo Ozaki third-up on PB Lawrence Stakes Day.
The enigmatic galloper has returned to the races in typical form and condition this time. His fitness gave out a little when fifth in BM84 company here when fresh, but he only just missed behind King Magnus last time.
Fitter third-up and from the good draw, this looks his opportunity to strike.
Race 6 – 3:15pm – Group 3 Neds Vain Stakes, (1100m) – No. 1 General Beau
Several of the leading contenders in this year’s Neds Vain Stakes are resuming, including General Beau.
General Beau was outstanding during his two-year-old season and won each of his first two starts back in autumn before ending his prep fifth in the Neds Blue Diamond.
He clearly has plenty of ability, and he has reportedly furnished in his time away from racing.
Race 7 – 3:55pm – Group 3 Quezette Stakes, (1100m) – No. 7 Gimmie Par
Peter Moody looks to have a good one on his hands with Gimmie Par and she can make a winning return in the Quezette Stakes.
She stormed onto the scene in autumn when an agonizingly close second behind Ingratiating in the Talindert Stakes and returned for a hit and run win here at Caulfield in April.
Jamie Kah rides and anything close to this filly’s best will find her hard to beat.
Race 8 – 4:35pm – Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes, (1400m) – No. 7 Sansom
The PB Lawrence Stakes is always a great contest, but this year’s race has thrown up a particularly open field and there really is a case to be made for most of them.
Sansom was an impressive winner of the Bletchingly Stakes for us a few weeks ago and I’m happy to stick with him.
The Charm Spirit gelding is typically at his best during his first two runs each preparation, but also here at Caulfield.
Ben Allen has options from the rails draw and the 1400m should be ideal.
Race 9 – 5:10pm – Listed Regal Roller Stakes, (1200m) – No. 7 La Mexicana
The Regal Roller Stakes looks to be another ideal race La Mexicana.
Simply put, she doesn’t know how to run a bad race, and the partnership that she has built with Jamie Kah over the last twelve months or so has been commanding.
She only just missed beating a fit Plaquette here when fresh and given the horse that ran third in that race (Miss Albania) has since come out and win, I think that everything stacks up for this galloper on Saturday.