We have Naturalism Stakes tips and predictions for the Group 3 2000m race at Caulfield on Saturday.
Naturalism Stakes odds are available, and it’s Zahrann who is the current favourite to win the staying affair against a big field.
If Saint George drew better, his odds would be much shorter than $4.80. He comes off two impressive wins, and he could be a sneaky chance in the big races later this spring.
The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding has six wins from 20 starts, so he has a good winning strikerate for a stayer, and that’s what makes him an attractive bet for Saturday’s staying feature race.
Jockey Mark Zahra has time to get him some cover over 2000m, so he shouldn’t be forced to travel wide. That’s a big plus having Zahra riding, and it’s why we rate him as our top choice with Naturalism Stakes predictions.
His odds could drift on race day, but he’ll be within the $4.80-$6 range.
| 3. Saint George (18) J: Mark Zahra 58.5kg 4×411 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Chasing a hat-trick. Most recently won by 1.3 len in a Qlty at this track on August 29 over 2000m on a soft track defeating Litzdeel with 61.5kg at $5.50. The start before that won by 1.3 len in a Bm100 at Flemington on July 18 over 2000m on a soft track defeating Smokin’ Romans with 58.5kg at $4. Flying and gets in quite well, draw the query. | |||
A danger down in the weights is Zakouma, who looked like he needed the run fresh-up at Caufield. He wasn’t far behind Kingswood, who runs at Group 1 level on Saturday, so it’s a good form guide.
The son of Crowded House has the international breeding typically needed to win these staying races, and with Willam Pike riding at 54kg, he’s weighted to take out the Naturalism, and it wouldn’t be a big upset.
He’s a five-time winner from only 15 starts, and Pike has 18 wins from his 50 starts, so he’s reading races well, and he has plenty of experience riding in Melbourne. That’s enough to see him run well in the Naturalism, and the $8.50 odds are generous enough to include in Naturalism Stakes tips.
| 18. Zakouma (6) J: William Pike 54kg 171×6 T: Grahame Begg | |||
| Second run back. First-up after four months 6th of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m, on a slow track; 4 len behind Kingswood with 55kg at $21. Previously second-up won by 2.5 len in a Bm70 Hcp at Sandown-Hillside on March 11 over 1800m defeating Pantile Warrior carrying 58.5kg at $2.40. Nice return, on a Cup path but can figure. | |||
A runner who can’t be overlooked at the bottom of the page is Darkbonee, who gets his chance to right the wrongs of his most recent start.
He finished down the track behind Saint George, but he might have needed the run for his fitness levels, and punters should expect a much better run on Saturday with only 54kg to carry.
He has been given a nice freshen up at the trials, and with four wins and six placings from 11 starts overall, he has a bright future in the business. This isn’t an easy field, but he wouldn’t look out of place winning at double-figure odds.
| 20. Darkbonee (9) J: Jamie Melham 54kg 3×210 T: Symon Wilde | |||
| Most recently 13th of 15 in a Qlty at this track on August 29 over 2000m, on a slow track; 8 len behind Saint George carrying 54.5kg at $2.45. Before that favourite; won by 1.75 len in a Bm100 at this track on August 15 over 1600m on a rain affected track defeating Detonator Jack carrying 53kg at $2.70. Very plain last time but can bounce back. | |||
Punters get value odds with our Naturalism Stakes SRM, which includes our three selected runners.
We have Saint George Top 3, Zakouma Top 5, and Darkbonee Top 6, which pays $10 for our three-runner SRM.
Due to the size of the field, top 9 positions are paying, which makes for good punting. We have Saint George running Top 3, and we’re confident in Zakouma and Darkbonee finishing in the Top 5 and 6, respectively.
| 3. Saint George (18) J: Mark Zahra 58.5kg 4×411 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Chasing a hat-trick. Most recently won by 1.3 len in a Qlty at this track on August 29 over 2000m on a soft track defeating Litzdeel with 61.5kg at $5.50. The start before that won by 1.3 len in a Bm100 at Flemington on July 18 over 2000m on a soft track defeating Smokin’ Romans with 58.5kg at $4. Flying and gets in quite well, draw the query. | |||
| 18. Zakouma (6) J: William Pike 54kg 171×6 T: Grahame Begg | |||
| Second run back. First-up after four months 6th of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m, on a slow track; 4 len behind Kingswood with 55kg at $21. Previously second-up won by 2.5 len in a Bm70 Hcp at Sandown-Hillside on March 11 over 1800m defeating Pantile Warrior carrying 58.5kg at $2.40. Nice return, on a Cup path but can figure. | |||
| 20. Darkbonee (9) J: Jamie Melham 54kg 3×210 T: Symon Wilde | |||
| Most recently 13th of 15 in a Qlty at this track on August 29 over 2000m, on a slow track; 8 len behind Saint George carrying 54.5kg at $2.45. Before that favourite; won by 1.75 len in a Bm100 at this track on August 15 over 1600m on a rain affected track defeating Detonator Jack carrying 53kg at $2.70. Very plain last time but can bounce back. | |||