As far as Group 1 races go, the Toorak Handicap typically doesn’t rate towards the top of the list for most people.
I am not ‘most people’, however and every year it is one of the contests that I really cannot wait to sink my teeth into. Why? Because without doubt, it is always a wide-open affair and if that means nothing more than $7 the field, it’s still an enormous prospect.
Find the right one and you’re having a bloody good day. As always, my 2019 Toorak Handicap tips can be found below.
Suggested Bets
- 2 Units E/W #12 Fierce Impact
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below
I’ve been a fan of this horse since it arrived in Australia, but Fierce Impact has continued to improve with each preparation and looks to be on another new level this time. The son of Deep Impact is a multiple black type winner and resumed with an enormous effort to just miss beating Kolding in the Group 3 Bill Ritchie last month. Given that horse has since won the Epsom Handicap, I think it’s fair to assume the form might hold up. I like that he’s had a trial in the lead-up to this race and I like the double-figures on offer in Toorak Handicap betting at publish.
It is extremely difficult to argue with Age Of Chivalry’s form this time and he is a fitting favourite in 2019 Toorak Handicap betting, albeit a $7 quote. The son of He’s Remarkable recorded consecutive wins over 1400m here at Caulfield, beating several formed runners before running second in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke last time out. This is the next logical step for him and getting out to a mile at this point of his prep should suit.
Group 1 winner Princess Jenni will carry winning form into the Toorak Handicap and with even luck from the potentially sticky barrier 14. The daughter of High Chaparral experienced a meteoric rise to prominence in Autumn, peaking with a maiden win at the highest level in the Australasian Oaks. Her performance to win the Group 2 Stocks Stakes last time out was enormous, and she retains the services of Damien Oliver. 1600m-2000m is her jam and she clearly has the class.
Madison County has well and truly been allocated the visitor’s draw, but he is a classy type and the $26 currently on offer in Toorak Handicap betting could prove to be huge overs. He was a revelation in his native New Zealand last time, winning both the 2000 Guineas and Levin Classic at Group 1 level, before crossing the ditch to finish second in the Derby. He ran a fair ninth in the Sir Rupert Clarke first-up and is a horse that typically enjoys sharp improvement with a run under his belt.