Caulfield Cup Field

Sydney Morning Herald

Saturday October 18, 2008

Craig Young

1 WEEKEND HUSSLER

STINGER'S VERDICT

2nd

The case for

They don't call him the wonder horse for nothing. A thoroughbred with lots of gears. Seven majors in 53 weeks.

The case against

Those majors were over the short courses. This is the toughest staying test on the calendar at 2400m.

2 MALDIVIAN

STINGER'S VERDICT

10th

For

Redemption looms. Went into this last year a hot favourite but a dimwit left a camera in the barriers and Maldivian was injured and scratched.

Against

Whichever way you look at it, not going as well as last year.

3 MASTER O'REILLY

STINGER'S VERDICT

3rd

For

Won the race last year and if you think Littorio scored in an eye-turner last start, watch how this one got home.

Against

You must return to 1954-55 to find the last back-to-back winner, Rising Fast. And Poseidon (1906-07).

4 FIUMICINO

STINGER'S VERDICT

18th

For

The spud king's horse turned in a remarkable performance to win the AJC Australian Derby in 2007.

Against

Equine influenza stopped him from attacking this race last year and he may have missed the best chance.

5 KIBBUTZ

SCRATCHED

6 NOM DU JEU

STINGER'S VERDICT

9th

For

The stayer with attitude won the AJC Australian Derby in Sydney this year and it is the one that counts.

Against

Might be a big-track horse judging by the trackwork at Caulfield on Tuesday when beaten by galloping companion.

7 MAD RUSH

STINGER'S VERDICT

5th

For

A UK raider with the right man on top. Damien Oliver is looking to equal Scobie Breasley's record of five Caulfield Cups.

Against

Vagaries of Caulfield might count against it. Never seen the track.

8 ALL THE GOOD

STINGER'S VERDICT

17th

For

Godolphin has been trying to win Down Under for decade. What's that about 10th time lucky?

Against

What is it about 10th time lucky? Don't think we've heard much about it and not likely to here either.

9 DOURO VALLEY

STINGER'S VERDICT

6th

For

Late developer came from nowhere to run second last year. Last weekend's win a ripper.

Against

Only two horses, Columnist (1947) and Amounis (1930), have gone one better a year later.

10 ICE CHARIOT

STINGER'S VERDICT

15th

For

May need divine intervention. Look skywards and clasp the hands.

Against

Hasn't actually been making many headlines, which may have something to do with the on-track performances. Leaves much to be desired.

11 VIEWED

STINGER'S VERDICT

14th

For

JB Cummings, living legend, inaugural Hall of Fame member who has won the race six times.

Against

Was scratched at barrier last week. Not fit enough.

12 LITTORIO

STINGER'S VERDICT

1st

For

The big dude with the eye shades on for the first time roared into favouritism when slaying the Hussler last time out.

Against

His size will count against him on an up-and-down track with a couple of bends.

13 RED RULER

STINGER'S VERDICT

7th

For

A Kiwi with solid form through a second placing in AJC Australian Derby. Recent wfa runs eye-catching.

Against

Will be stepping out at Caulfield for the first time and the track is known to trick the uninitiated.

14 BOUNDLESS

STINGER'S VERDICT

8th

For

Remember Sunline? Well, this one is prepared by the Sunline team.

Against

May have won a New Zealand Oaks last season but now out of the same sex class and playing with the bruisers, and there are a few in this.

15 DOLPHIN JO

STINGER'S VERDICT

13th

For

South Australia's Clare Lindop navigated a fine course to win on the grinder at the track last Saturday.

Against

No slight on the father-and-daughter training team, but they've never had a runner in the race.

16 RIVA SAN

STINGER'S VERDICT

12th

For

Ducked up to the Brisbane winter carnival and announced herself as a stayer when claiming the Queensland Oaks and derby double.

Against

Came up short in Sydney preparation.

17 ZAGREB

STINGER'S VERDICT

4th

For

Pulled up with a clod full of grass in the gullet when flopping last time. Previous win was a bottler when cutting down rivals.

Against

This one should have the wedding tackle negated for it plays on the mind.

18 GUILLOTINE

STINGER'S VERDICT

11th

For

Had the pacifiers on last weekend and settled well. Dropping a lot of weight on that run and capable of unleashing.

Against

Do you gamble on the horse doing everything right for the second time in a week?

19 BARBARICUS

STINGER'S VERDICT

16th

For

Danny O'Brien, who quinellaed the race with Master O'Reilly and Douro Valley last year.

Against

What about giving these types a head start? Just a thought, but really can't tip anyone into the gelding.

20 NEWPORT

STINGER'S VERDICT

- For

Goes into the race on the back of win in The Metropolitan and previous two winners of that went on to win this.

Against

That race lacked depth and this is a Cup with plenty of strength.

21 RED LORD

STINGER'S VERDICT

- For

A miracle is needed to gain a run.

Against

Some things just never go to plan and it has been the case for this Sydneysider.

22 MOATIZE

STINGER'S VERDICT

- For

If you like gallopers just out of maiden company then this is the horse for you. JB Cummings is an asset.

Against

Horses just out of maiden company do not figure in Caulfield Cups, not even with the aid of the master trainer.

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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