Wolfe has been a strong and consistent performer this time and can gain ballot-free entry into Saturday’s Caulfield Cup by winning the Group 3 Coongy Cup (2000m) this afternoon. The five-year-old son of Novellist won the Premiers Cup Prelude when first-up from a spell and while he did return a rare flat performance second-up, he has since placed fifth in the ultra-competitive Naturalism Stakes and third behind Surprise Baby in The Bart Cummings. He can go straight to the lead and will give them something to chase with only 54kgs in tow.
Long Leaf has steadily improved through three starts this time and looks ready to do something fourth-up at Caulfield this afternoon, at a price ($17 at publish). The Fastnet Rock entire hasn’t lived up to the enormous hype that has surrounded his entire racing career, but he has still shown glimpses of excellent ability, and there was a lot to like about the way he hit the line to finish less than two lengths fourth in the Listed Tontonan Stakes last time out. There is a couple of smart horses in this field, but I think that the Rox The Castle form is going to hold up and Long Leaf can fight out the finish.
Exhilarates is obviously an outstanding galloper and this afternoon’s Blue Sapphire looks like the perfect race for her. The blue blood filly has returned to the track in typically excellent form this time; winning both the Quezette and Atlantic Jewel Stakes before running a close-up second behind Loving Gabby in Group 3 company last time out. She looks to be at absolute peak fitness for this contest and she has the added advantage of Kerrin McEvoy in the saddle once again.
Fidelia is an outstanding mare, and she can return to winning form in the Ladies’ Day Vase this afternoon. The talented grey finished third in the Group 2 Let’s Elope two back but was reasonably luckless and perhaps south of her best in the Group 2 Blazer last time out. She’s undefeated at this track and distance and she can atone in what is a far easier race today.