The Toorak Handicap is one of my favourite Group 1 events of the year, and a talented and open field of milers will descend on Caulfield this weekend for the race.
It’s one of my favourite Group 1 races as it has typically been a happy hunting ground – I’ve had something on the Toorak Handicap winner every year since 2015.
With that bit of arrogance in mind, before sure to check out my 2021 Toorak Handicap Tips before placing your bets!
Toorak Handicap – Winner
No. 2 Superstorm
He is unlucky not to have already tasted success at the highest level, but I confident that Superstorm can break through in the Toorak Handicap.
The former West Aussie announced himself to the wider Australian racing fraternity during a 2020 autumn prep which heralded second placings in both the Australian Guineas and the All-Star Mile.
While he went off the boil a little at his subsequent campaign, he has been excellent this time in, and won the Group 2 Feehan Stakes before charging in for third behind Zaaki in the Underwood a fortnight ago.
The $12 we’re getting for him at publish is over the odds in my opinion.
Toorak Handicap – 2nd
He was pretty unlucky in the Neds Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes and still managed to fill the minors, and I think that the Toorak Handicap is the perfect Group 1 target for I’m Thunderstruck.
I’m Thunderstruck has enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence since debuting, winning four of seven starts and filling the minors on two other occasions.
He has found form around some above-average gallopers and while he is yet to get out to a mile, it looks as though it will suit ideally.
Toorak Handicap – 3rd
No. 4 Elephant
Kiwi raider Elephant hasn’t turned in a poor performance since debuting, and I can’t find a reason why he won’t be in the finish of the Toorak Handicap as well.
Elephant won each of his first five career starts, including his first race in Australia here at Caulfield before suffering a close defeat to Superstorm in the Feehan Stakes.
He responded ideally with a comfortable victory in the Group 3 Sandown Stakes and he strikes the Toorak Handicap in peak order.
Toorak Handicap – 4th
No. 1 Tofane
The three-time Group 1 winner is at her best over 1400m, but she was impressive when third behind Incentivise in the Makybe Diva last time out, and hasn’t that form held up!
Having won last year’s All Aged Stakes, the daughter of Ocean Park found career-best form in winter this year and recorded consecutive wins in the Stradbroke Handicap and Tattersall’s Tiara.
I like that she is a month between runs and even with topweight, she is drawn to receive every chance under Craig Williams.
Toorak Handicap Suggested Bets
- 3 Units E/W #2 Superstorm
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below