R7 Henley Homes Futurity Stakes
Race Overview
The pace is expected to be slow, with only two clear leaders mapped and limited on-pace pressure. The Caulfield track is rated a Good (4), which should suit most runners. No specific track bias is noted in the data.
Top Contenders
FEROCE profiles strongly, coming off a narrow second in the HEFFERNAN at this track and trip, showing strong late strength with a 34.31 last 600m and settling just off the speed. He is second-up, a scenario where he has a solid record (4:2‑1‑0), and maps well from barrier 2. VEIGHT also brings solid credentials, finishing third in the same HEFFERNAN, running on from just off the pace with a sharp 34.31 last 600m. He has consistent track and distance stats and is deep into his preparation. EVAPORATE is first-up but has placed in half of her four fresh runs and was competitive at Group 1 level last prep, settling on-pace and finishing third at this track and distance.
Danger Horses
PERICLES could improve, having strong distance stats (10:4‑3‑0) and a good first-up record (7:3‑1‑0). He maps to lead and has shown sharp 600m sectionals in recent trials. WATCH ME ROCK is another to watch, boasting excellent distance stats (8:4‑2‑0) and a strong overall winning strike rate, though lacks recent race exposure.
Track-Condition Insights
TREASURETHE MOMENT handles Good tracks exceptionally well (12:7‑5‑0), indicating she should be comfortable under today’s conditions. VEIGHT also has a solid Good track profile (13:4‑4‑0).
Value Angles
WATCH ME ROCK appeals with a perfect barrier, strong distance stats, and a proven record on Good tracks (16:8‑6‑0). FEROCE’s second-up profile and strong recent 600m sectional make him a value runner, especially given his consistent Caulfield record.
Risks / Unknowns
BUCKAROO is first-up and maps as a backmarker in a slow-run race, which may not suit his pattern. VIVY AIR has yet to win at the distance or track and may find the class rise challenging. LEICA LUCY’s recent 600m sectionals have been moderate, and she has limited experience at Caulfield. The slow pace could disadvantage horses settling further back. This shapes as a tactical affair where early positioning and proven form at Caulfield on good ground will be key.
R8 Sportsbet Blue Diamond Stakes
Race Overview
A fast tempo is expected at Caulfield over 1200m, with three designated leaders and several backmarkers according to the speed map. The track is rated Good (4), which should suit most runners. No specific track bias is noted in the data.
Top Contenders
BIG SKY profiles as the strongest overall, coming off two dominant wins at Caulfield and Flemington, both on Good (4) tracks. He drops 2kg in weight, maps to lead, and has shown sustained speed with a strong 34.14 last 600m sectional. His fitness is peaking third-up, and he remains at a similar class level. CLOSER TO FREE is next, having won first-up at Caulfield with a sharp 33.81 last 600m, settling on-pace and finishing strongly. He is second-up and unbeaten at the track and on good ground, with a favourable speed map position. GUEST HOUSE also rates highly, finishing second to CLOSER TO FREE last start with an identical 33.81 last 600m. He is third-up, maps midfield, and has consistent form with placings at Caulfield and strong stats on good tracks.
Danger Horses
ALIBABA could improve further fourth-up, having closed strongly from well back for third in the Millennium (0.77L off) with a 34.83 last 600m. He has a solid Caulfield record (2:1‑1‑0) and maps midfield. GHANA’S AKAN is another to watch, coming off a close second in the Millennium, running on from back in the field with a 34.83 last 600m. He is fourth-up and has shown improving margins.
Track-Condition Insights
BIG SKY is proven on good tracks (2:2‑0‑0), indicating he handles today’s surface well. CLOSER TO FREE is also unbeaten on good ground (1:1‑0‑0), supporting his suitability to conditions.
Value Angles
UNIT FIVE is unbeaten at the distance (1:1‑0‑0) and has a perfect record on good tracks (2:2‑0‑0). He is third-up and could be suited by a fast tempo. I AM ARIA drops 1kg in weight, is third-up, and has placed in both Caulfield runs, mapping to lead and showing consistent on-pace efforts.
Risks / Unknowns
EUROCANTO and ALMOST AN ANGEL have limited track and distance stats and were well beaten last start, raising fitness and class concerns. MILSONS POINT and TORTURE draw wide and lack recent strong sectionals or proven running patterns. The fast pace may disadvantage horses unable to settle or finish off strongly. All assessments are based strictly on the provided data.
R9 Sportsbet Oakleigh Plate
Race Overview
A fast tempo is expected at Caulfield over 1100m, with four designated leaders and a strong early speed likely. The track is rated Good (4), which should suit most runners. No specific track bias is noted in the data.
Top Contenders
OAK HILL profiles strongly, coming off a last-start win at this track and distance in the RUBITON, closing with a sharp 33.35 last 600m and settling midfield before finishing powerfully. He is third-up, has solid track (6:2‑2‑0) and distance (5:1‑1‑0) stats, and remains at the same class level. HEDGED also rates highly, finishing third in the same RUBITON with an identical 33.35 last 600m sectional, racing on-pace and holding form deep into his prep. He boasts strong distance stats (5:2‑2‑0) and is consistently placed at Caulfield (4:0‑3‑0). DON’T HOPE DO is a danger from a leading position, finishing second in the RUBITON with a fast 33.35 last 600m, dropping 4.5kg in weight, and showing a positive second-up profile (3:1‑2‑0).
Danger Horses
GALLANT SON is third-up and comes off consecutive wins, including a last-start BM84 victory at this track and trip, dropping 4.5kg in weight and showing tactical speed by leading last time. He is rising in class but has strong distance (5:2‑3‑0) and good track stats. SHE’S BULLETPROOF resumes off two recent jumpout wins and gets a slight weight drop; her second-up record is perfect (3:3‑0‑0), and she is consistently placed at Caulfield.
Track-Condition Insights
OAK HILL handles Good tracks well (16:6‑4‑0), and HEDGED is also reliable on Good (20:4‑9‑0). Both have recent strong performances on Good (4) surfaces at Caulfield.
Value Angles
DON’T HOPE DO appeals with a significant weight drop, proven track and distance stats, and a strong on-pace pattern in a fast-run race. GALLANT SON’s recent form, weight relief, and tactical versatility make him a value consideration despite the class rise.
Risks / Unknowns
JEDIBEEL and TROPICUS have not raced at Caulfield and lack recent race form, with JEDIBEEL also drawing a wide barrier. Several runners, including SPYWIRE and POINT BARROW, are first-up or resuming from a break, creating some fitness uncertainty. Horses settling well back may struggle to make ground if the fast pace favours those on-pace or midfield. The class of today’s race is listed as UNKNOWN, adding a layer of uncertainty to class assessments. Overall, the race sets up for a genuine tempo and should reward horses with proven Caulfield and Good track form, tactical speed, and strong late sectionals.