Matamata should also have a near-perfect track. In Race 1, Emma's Choice (No 13) appeals as an each-way prospect. She got a long way back when favourite at Te Aroha last start and her late work to take her into a close fourth was impressive. Captain Cruising (No 1) and High Heels (No 6) are musts for multiples.
Brave Centaur (No 4, R3) finished well down the track when favourite in his resuming run at Te Rapa last start. He is a lot better than that and deserves the benefit of the doubt on that performance. There are a number of chances in this race, but he is well up to winning it. Feel One (No 1) has drawn well and is right in the race.
On her second to talented Pussy O'Reilly in her last start as a juvenile, Orutan (No 9, R4) is entitled to respect. Her mother Naturo had almost freakish ability. Wrecking Crew (No 2) and Whoseyourmaster (No 3) are top chances.
Local trainer John Sargent should have a big day and Encosta Larrocha (No 13, R5) can help that along. She didn't get a lot of luck last time at Taupo and was only just beaten. She has a reasonable barrier and Jason Collett to help.
Terrific betting races all day at Matamata, so if you get it right it will be a big payday. Race 6 is one of those contests. Only 10 runners, but it won't surprise if there's close to a $5 favourite. Drop-back horses are valuable and Crown Of Thorns (No 2) is going to appreciate coming back to R80 from R90. He was less than one length away from Phar Cry in a very strong form race at Hastings last start, which puts him right in contention here with an apprentice claim again. Nancho Bella (No 9) can surprise with a big race fresh and Pure Platinum (No 6) and Run To The Bank (No 3) are chances in a very tough race.
Atom Cat (No 2, R8) knows his way around his home track and can repeat his Matamata Cup win of last year. He has 58kg this time and that won't be easy, but he will certainly appreciate the drop back in grade after chasing Mufhasa and Jimmy Choux around at Hastings. Our Ella Belle (No 11) and No Excuse Maggie (No 13) look two of the main threats.
Magic Briar (No 6, R9) was one of the top fillies of the old season and showed her readiness for this resuming run when she won at the recent Paeroa barrier trials. She has already been a winner here on her home track and will make a decent dash at doing it again this afternoon. Singapore Sling (No 4) seems to mix her performances, but there is no questioning her talent. It may have been just the Ellerslie ground that beat her last start.
Two very good emerging horses in the last, Zardetto (No 1, R10) and Miss Isle (No 10). Zardetto turned in two top efforts for minor placings in two appearances at the Hastings carnival and will find this field just a touch easier.
Miss Isle could not have been more impressive in winning at Te Rapa last start, making a huge sweeping run from a near impossible position.
There will be lots of females at Caulfield today, but there will be eyes for only one.
That's because there is only one Black Caviar.
It's not often you can get to say "the world's best racehorse" but that's what Peter Moody's mare officially is. Unless she breaks down - and we all need to remember she has previously - she will be making it 14 from 14 in this afternoon's A$200,000 ($253,000) Schillaci Stakes.
The A$200,000 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) should throw some light on the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.
Old Bauer, who, remarkably, has had only four races since he was beaten a lip by Viewed in the 2008 Melbourne Cup, goes around and fellow Brits Moyenne Corniche and Saptapadi make their Australian debut. My Scotsgrey is attempting to force his way into the Cup in the same race.
Our Cox Plate favourite Lion Tamer looks to have only Sincero to bowl over in the A$400,000 NZ Bloodstock Caulfield Stakes.
But Mufhasa faces a tough task with 58kg topweight in the Toorak. Wall Street tackles the same race, as do Kings Rose and last-start Melbourne headliner Toorak Toff.
On a day that annually sets the Melbourne spring carnival alight, glamour 3-year-olds Manawanui, Helmet and Smart Missile square off in the A$1 million Caulfield Guineas.
