Just six colts and geldings will line up in this year’s Neds Blue Diamond Preview for colts & geldings, and I think that Philosopher will take a power of beating.
Philosopher has made only one appearance at the races so far, but he was sent off a favourite in betting and duly saluted at this track and trip.
There is no doubt that he’ll only improve for that experience and on exposed form, he’s certainly the one to beat.
The John Dillon Stakes looks to be one of the standout contests on today’s Caulfield program, and Groundswell looms as a key winning chance at a lovely price.
A placegetter behind Super Seth in the Neds Caulfield Guineas a couple of years ago, Groundswell hasn’t quite measured up to Group 1 company in his subsequent preparations, but he has certainly made races like this one his bread and butter.
He is a multiple winner at this point of his preparation, and he beat home some talented horses when resuming last time.
Overlord’s second campaign start left a little to be desired, but I’m confident that he is a serious horse in the making, and he can bounce back at Warwick Farm this afternoon.
By Sebring and out of the two-time Group 1 winner Red Tracer, Overlord has always hinted at ability, but he wasn’t able to break his maiden throughout his first couple of campaigns.
He did manage to get the monkey off his back first-up at Gosford when resuming this time, but failed to be a runner home at Rosehill a couple of weeks ago. Fitter third-up and dropping back to the midweeks, he’s primed to strike.
Navy Cross returned an impressive on-pace performance to lead all the way in the Magic Millions Stayers race, and I’m confident that he can repeat those heroics in the Australia Day Cup this afternoon.
The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained stayer has been a mainstay in races like this one throughout his career, and he has improved for each of his three starts back this time, culminating in the most lucrative win of his career to date last time out.
Timmy Clark is as good a front-running rider as you’ll see, he can take this bloke straight to the lead again from barrier 5 today, and he’ll give them something to chase.