The 2022 Caulfield Cup is upon us as Melbourne attempts to dry itself off for a big day of racing. It will be one of the heaviest tracks for the Caulfield Cup that I can remember in recent history with 50-60mls bucketing down on the track on Thursday and Friday to likely see it presented as a Heavy 10.
Smokin’ Romans is the current favourite in the Cup and carries just 51 kilograms for Jamie Kah.
The first race gets underway at 12:15pm with the last of 10 to conclude at 5:50pm.
Brendan Bunworth provides his best bets for the day at Caulfield
Caulfield Racing Tips: Saturday, October 15th
Race 4
(1) Moko is still a maiden but is ready to change that after two solid runs, one where he was a bit slow away but still raced well for second at Pakenham. Following that he raced in the Edward Manifold Stakes and was seventh of 11 behind She’s Licketysplit but this race is slightly easier. The wet ground should suit having twice placed on it and Simon Zahra jumps on, so the stable loses nothing with Kah not riding this time.
(6) Cabaca was strong to the line at Kembla Grange last start and if she can get to the outside in what may be the better going, she could hit the line the hardest.
(7) Foxy Cleopatra is untried on the Heavy, but she did win well at Moonee Valley after settling handy throughout. If the money comes late that might be a guide that she likes the wet.
(8) Whakamana will settle back but should handle the ground.
(1) Moko WIN
$5.50 (2 Units)
Race 7
(9) Dragonstone trialed up well at Warwick Farm in readiness for this and now resumes ready to show best for Mark Newnham and Tim Clark. He has had six starts on the Heavy and has been in the money five times so the track shouldn't worry him. His win before he went out for a spell at Randwick was excellent and he does go well fresh up.
(11) Asfoora was very unlucky at Moonee Valley when backed in last start and will be looking to make amends. Very talented.
(7) Kallos drops seven kilograms in weight for Kah and has raced well on wet ground before.
(2) Generation was only beaten 1.5L in the Moir Stakes but will the track be too heavy for him today? Zahra to stay on is a plus.
(3) Beau Rossa is one from one on the Heavy and does have a solid first-up record.
(9) Dragonstone WIN
$3.80 (2 Units)
Race 9 - Caulfield Cup
(2) Duais was the Caulfield Cup favourite for a good three months during the year and although found to be lame after her Randwick run on September 17, she did bounce back with a solid eighth only beaten 2.7L at Flemington in the Turnbull Stakes after working home quite well late. She should get a good run in the race and settle around midfield but with a lot of the horses at this meeting, the ground is a query. She is naught from four starts on the Heavy, so she really doesn't want any rain on the actual day. Her Soft track form is good however and she just needs a truly run race so she can work to the line nicely again.
(6) Nonconformist is an unknown on Heavy ground but has a good relationship with jockey Jordan Childs. He was only 2.5L behind Anamoe last week despite running unplaced and his runs prior he really wasn't ridden aggressively to the line. This is his Grand Final whereas many of these will go on to the Melbourne Cup in just over two weeks’ time.
(15) Chapada has only run one placing in his last 10 starts but from all reports is training very well at the Moroney stable. Was only beaten 4.9L to Smokin’ Romans last start and only has to carry 51kg in this. Big place odds.
(5) Numerian likes wet ground and will settle on speed. If the race is run at a slow tempo, then this one should finish top five.
(2) Duais WIN
$13.00 (1 Unit)
Race 10
(5) Bandersnatch enjoys Heavy ground and from barrier 14 it just might be a good barrier to have late in the day. He hit the line very well when third at Ladbrokes Park last time and the form around the race has been good with Gravina winning on Saturday. He was 11th of 18 in the Stradbroke behind Alligator Blood so is down in class on that effort.
(4) Sinawaan will be another running on and will appreciate the leaders to set a strong tempo.
(8) Ironclad is first up but did trial well at Morphettville leading up to this. The wet ground is an unknown for this one.
(13) Catalyst was only 3L behind IwishIwin at Sandown last start and is fitter now.
(5) Bandersnatch WIN
$7.00 (3 Units)
