The Caulfield Stakes makes up one of four Group 1’s in Melbourne on Saturday as a small field of six steps out over the 2000m.
All eyes will be on 2020 Ladbrokes Cox Plate favourite Russian Camelot in his third run back from a spell as Danny O’Brien’s talented Irish stayer hopes to add another Group 1 to his growing list of accomplishments.
Like always, we’ve previewed all six chances and offer our thoughts on the 2020 Caulfield Stakes below!
Gailo Chop
Gailo Chop wasn’t disgraced when fourth to Russian Camelot during the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) in his second run back from a spell.
The ten-year-old warhorse won the 2017 edition of the Caulfield Stakes carrying the top weight and should appreciate getting back out to his preferred distance where he’s won seven times previously.
Humidor
Humidor won the Group 2 Feehan Stakes at Moonee Valley just over a month ago before turning in a very eye-catching run behind Russian Camelot for second in the Underwood Stakes.
The eight-year-old has gone to another level racing under champion trainer Chris Waller and is more than capable of taking this out with three wins to his name over the distance.
Humidor has finished top five in each of his three appearances in the Caulfield Stakes and is set to get a lovely run in transit from the inside draw under the red-hot Craig Williams.
Levendi
Levendi is having his third run back from a spell coming off a last start third in the Group 3 JRA Cup over a touch further at The Valley.
The son of Pierro does have a Group 1 win to his name but would need to improve significantly after failing to find the placings in five previous runs at Caulfield.
Harbour Views
Harbour Views finished third behind Humidor and Surprise Baby in the Group 2 Feehan Stakes at Moonee Valley before finding no such luck when sixth in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes last start.
The French import has shown no problem with this distance in the past and has also won twice previously in his third run back from a spell.
Arcadia Queen
Arcadia Queen has run into the money in each of her last two starts, which includes a slightly disappointing third to Russian Camelot in the Underwood Stakes.
The five-year-old mare went toe-to-toe with Danny O’Brien’s outstanding young galloper before weakening late in the final stages.
She’s sure to improve on that effort on her way to the Cox Plate but remains a slight query over the distance based on last start.
Russian Camelot
Russian Camelot has firmly stamped himself as one of Australia’s top middle-distance gallopers after winning the Group 1 Underwood Stakes by nearly two lengths at Caulfield a fortnight ago.
Danny O’Brien’s talented four-year-old is hoping to become the 14th horse to complete the Underwood Stakes – Caulfield Stakes double on his way to the Ladbrokes Cox Plate on October 24.
The Irish import will be afforded every opportunity carrying only 56.5kg and is expected to be at peak fitness in his third run back from a spell.
With a chance to add his third Group 1 to the resume, Russian Camelot is again the horse to beat.
Caulfield Stakes Tip
6 Russian Camelot at $1.55
