The Group 3 Blue Sapphire Stakes is the feature race on the 8-race card at Caulfield and sees 12 runners set to line up over the 1200m.
The track is rated a Good 3 and the rail is in the True position, so we should see eve racing throughout the day.
There is really only three or four horses I am interested in here and the market suggests as much too.
FLYING ARTIE resumes for the first time since running 3rd in the Golden Slipper. Previous to that he ran 2nd to Extreme Choice in the Blue Diamond, and we've since seen that horse come out and win the Group 1 Moir Stakes in devastating fashion. Star Turn has also returned from that crop as a terrific 3YO, so if this horse returns in a similar way then he will be far too good for this field.
KEN'S DREAM won his first two starts in very good style before covering plenty of ground and only going down by a pimple to the progressive Benz last start. If you switch the runs then Ken's Dream wins easily, and from barrier 5 he will have no such problem today.
BARTHELONA is undefeated from 3 starts and although they have been in lesser grade than this, the way in which he's won them has been quite impressive. From barrier 9 he will once again go back but the step up to 1200m will be in his favour. At $18 he looks one at a bit of value to include.
Finally, DERRYN is a horse that can win this if Flying Artie doesn't produce his best. This horse won first up over 1000m at this track before running 2nd to Divine Prophet in Sydney. That horse has since come out and won the Caulfield Guineas! Failed in the Golden Rose last start but has been freshened up and can run a big race back to 1200m from the good draw. Blinkers also go on for the first time so he ticks plenty of boxes!
HIGHLAND BEAT looks overs at 50/1 while HEPTAGON won nicely on debut and is worth including in exotics at 40/1.
Blue Sapphire Stakes Tips
1st FLYING ARTIE
2nd DERRYN
3rd KEN'S DREAM
4th BARTHELONA
Caulfield Racing Tips
Race 1 - Data Point / So Willie EW
Race 2 - Theanswermyfriend
Race 3 - Four Carat
Race 4 - Pilote D'essai
Race 5 - Sovereign Nation
Race 6 - Flying Artie (full preview above)
Race 7 - Keen Array
Race 8 - Serene Majesty
Best Bet: Race 7 Keen Array
Bounced back to the winners circle last start over this course and distance. Up significantly in weight but from the good draw he can win again at a decent price.
Best Value Bet: Race 5 Sovereign Nation
Hayes has always had an opinion of this horse and it looks like he may be able to win a good race this prep after his impressive first up run behind the promising Shillelagh. Huge field here with a few winning hopes but at $6.50 he looks a nice bet.
Warwick Farm Racing Tips
Race 1 - In Times Of War
Race 2 - Silverwin
Race 3 - Quantrill
Race 4 - Don Pellegrino
Race 5 - Lucky Fish
Race 6 - Sweet Redemption
Race 7 - High Opinion
Race 8 - Faith's Encore EW
Best Bet: Race 2 Silverwin
This horse hasn't been asked to do anything in his trials and he makes his debut here and there has already been significant money for him. Draws well and Cummings/Schofield are a good combination. When the money comes for this stable it's worth following.
Best Value Bet: Race 8 Faith's Encore
Won in similar grade last start and drops back slightly in distance but has won over this course and distance before. Undefeated at Warwick Farm, McEvoy rides for the Snowdens and at $7 looks a big price.
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
