Julinsky Prince got himself well up in the weights last preparation and is paying the price here with clear 59kg topweight. He represents good class though and even at that level can't be entirely ruled out, especially for multiple bet options.
Lady Kalimara (No8, R1) hasn't made a massive impression in a handful of starts, but she finished off quite powerfully at Ruakaka last start. She gets her opportunity to be right in this race, which should suit horses getting to the line well.
In a tricky field Cote De Nuits (No6, R2) could go a bold race fresh.
He won on debut last campaign and finished a good second in an open heat at the recent Avondale barrier trials. Marcelle (No8) looked good winning when resuming at Taupo and has a nice barrier.
Race 3, the 3-year-old, is a really tricky affair. After making a big impression winning on debut at Taupo, Bonniegirl (No5) tackled stakes class at Hastings and did a pretty good job to be just 2.9 lengths away from O'Marilyn. A repeat of that effort would take her close here. Prince Henry (No1) looked good winning on debut at Taupo and stablemates Straklis (No2) and Orange Peel (No4) have plenty of ability. Matagouri (No6, R4) did enough in her first campaign to suggest she could be useful this time in. She is drawn nicely to get the run of the race and looks each way value. Longbeach (No4) was a bit stiff when a close third last start and is another with a good barrier.
Similar to a few of the Matamata races, Race 5 is a tough affair.
Delago's Secret (No3) comes in fresh and he's raced reasonably well in that state previously. He will have been sharpened by his third placing at the recent Avondale barrier trials. Lilly Belle (No4) did not show up when resuming, but that was at 1300m and up to a more suitable 1600m this time she could spring a surprise. Thornbird Lass (No10) bounced back from defeat to win well at Te Aroha.
The 2kg Jack Wing takes off Radar (No2, R6) will be critical. He has been consistent and has the barrier to take up a decent position. He will need the right run to hold out Highly Likely (No7), whose form in four starts has been first class. Good race.
It might pay to shut from your mind the fact Britt Ekland (No6, R8) has drawn the outside barrier of the 11 runners. If she can overcome that she should be very difficult to hold out with 54.5kg. She looked the real sprinting find last preparation and should be in for a big summer. Getting down to 56kg brings Witz End (No1) right into the race.
Race 9 is no easier than most of the others. Give Silk Chardonnay (No3, R9) another chance even though she gave in pretty quickly after leading at Hastings. She's better than that and has proved it a number of times here on her home track.
• If you saw Sangster's luckless run in Melbourne last start you'll want to be on him at Caulfield this afternoon.
But for being held up twice approaching the Moonee Valley home turn last start Sangster would have beaten the hot favourite, The Cleaner, who has been in outstanding form.
The step up from 2040m to 2400m in today's Herbert Power Stakes is perfect for Sangster, but this time he meets high-class European raiders Protectionist, Renew and Lord Van Percy.
Protectionist won the top-rated Prix Kergorlay in France last start and will be a tough opponent despite his 59kg topweight, but Sangster looks as though he is approaching his best spring form.
Former New Zealand mare Kirramosa is getting to a distance that is going to suit her in today's 2000m A$400,000 Caulfield Stakes. Her two runs at short distances have been first class and although this looks a very hot field, she is worth an each-way flick.
• Costume will go straight into the $A1 million Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes without another start, Hamilton trainers Graeme and Debbie Rogerson have confirmed.
The Savabeel mare has bounced through her last-start win in the Group 1 Livamol Spring Classic much to her trainers' delight and this week she has also been confirmed in foal to Pins.
Raced by her breeder Waikato Stud, Costume will fly to Melbourne four days before the Mackinnon at Flemington on November 1.
Stablemate Soriano has come through her Livamol Classic third placing in excellent order too, but the Rogersons have ruled out a tilt at Saturday week's A$3 million Group 1 Cox Plate in favour of tackling the Listed $50,000 Agrodome Rotorua Plate the same day, ahead of the Group 3 Sofitel Luxury Hotels Stakes at Ellerslie on November 4.
- Additional reporting NZ Racing Desk
