It’s a big day of racing at Caulfield this Saturday afternoon with plenty of quality races on offer for punters.
Our full 2021 Sir John Monash Stakes Day Preview can be read below.
Preview brought to you by Ladbrokes. Learn more about Ladbrokes HERE.
Race 1 – 11:50AM – 2YO Fillies Handicap, (1100m)
Zapateo was very impressive win winning on debut and on exposed form looks the horse to beat in the opening race of the day here at Caulfield.
I’m happy to sit back and watch from a betting perspective.
Race 2 – 12:25PM – 3YO Colts & Geldings Handicap, (1100m)
Deep Seed won his first two race starts and was then placed twice at Listed level at Flemington and The Valley.
He is clearly a speedy and talented young horse and this looks a perfect way for him to kick start an exciting prep.
Race 3 – 1:00pm – Benchmark 78 Handicap, (1100m)
Whipcracker Way was well beaten by Pintoff last start at this track but he beat home third by over three lengths.
The son of Shamus Award is racing really consistently right at the minute and this race looks no tougher than his last effort of paper.
Race 4 – 1:35pm – Michael Fox Handicap, (1100m)
Sugartown put together back to back wins at Bendigo by a combined 3.5 lengths before stepping up considerably in class at Flemington last stat.
She was well beaten by the boys that day but will be much better suited against her own sex.
Race 5 – 2:15pm – Benchmark 78 Handicap, (2000m)
Tooradin put together two really nice wins before running into one better at Sandown last time out.
The four year old gelding has had his runs spaced out this prep which will help him now he is stepping up to 2000m.
Barrier four is an advantage.
Race 6 – 2:55pm – 3YO Handicap, (2000m)
Vibrant Glider has been building toward a win with three really nice effort so far this prep.
Back to back thirds was followed by a fifth at Flemington last start in the Silver Bowl Final where he finished within 3.5 lengths behind Seiner’s Express and was doing his best work late in the race.
He will appreciate the step up in distance and should be nearing peak fitness at this stage in his prep.
Race 7 – 3:35pm – Benchmark 84 Handicap, (1700m)
Chief Altony has won two of his last three by a combined 5.75 lengths at Ballarat and Sandown.
In between those wins, he finished fourth at Flemington but finished half a length behind the winner Mr Tipla and he is one of the only horses in this race that has any real upside in my opinion.
He keeps improving with every run and he is the one to beat.
Race 8 – 4:10pm – Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes, (1100m)
I’m happy to back a couple of horses who have very good fresh records in the feature race of the afternoon – the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes.
Order Of Command was excellent all throughout his spring and autumn campaigns without winning and this looks the perfect race for him to kick start his campaign.
Villami has won three of four when resuming and if Damian Thornton can get the mare to the front and lead Malcovich, she will be tough right to the line.
Race 9 – 4:42pm – Benchmark 84 Handicap, (1400m)
Fundraiser put together three impressive wins in a row last prep the last of which came over 1600m at Flemington.
Both his runs this prep have been full of merit and he found the line really well last start at this track and distance.
He’ll need luck from a horrible draw but still represents good value.