The Caulfield Stakes is typically one of the Spring Carnival’s most hotly contested races for several reasons.
Obviously, its Group 1 status and the fair old purse on offer are not without a mention but given its proximity to the season’s classics including the Cox Plate, the depth of talent that accepts is always through the roof… ironically.
The 2019 edition of Saturday is absolutely no exception to that rule, and you can find my 2019 Caulfield Stakes tips below.
Suggested Bets
- 2 Units E/W #9 Dream Castle
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below
Avilius looked to be a little south of his best when resuming this time, but boy he was dominant in the George Main last time out and he’ll only improve fourth-up, and out to 2000m. The Pivotal gelding is a multiple Group 1 winner, and won the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at this point of his prep, last time in. He can slot in anywhere from barrier 7, will be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy and with even luck, will take a power of beating. I think around $2.25 is probably fair.
Another European will step out for the first time in the 2019 Caulfield Stakes and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Dream Castle salute at a double-figure price. The Frankel gelding has produced enormous efforts and results in several different countries and recorded three wins in succession when resuming last time, including the Group 1 Jabeel Hatta at Meydan. Patrick Cosgrave has travelled to Australia to take the ride and can make an impression in this.
Really looking forward to seeing Avilius and Homesman duke it out on Saturday. The Macedon Lodge entrant has returned to the track in excellent form himself this time; putting a good field to the sword in the Group 2 Feehan first-up, before running into an incredible Black Heart Bart last time out and finishing a close-up second. He’s another horse that’ll improve into this and at the distance, and there’s really nothing to suggest he won’t be in the finish again.
This will be the first time that we’ll get to see the Euro-trained Danceteria race in Australia, and he could prove to be the value in Caulfield Stakes betting. The give-year-old son of Redoute’s Choice has been outstanding this year; winning three of his five starts including the Group 1 Dallmayr (2000m) in Germany last time out. He hasn’t raced since July but has a good fresh record and is up to doing something here.