Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Victoria · Saturday 24 January 2026
Our top pick won 2 of 9 races at Caulfield. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
top pick wonanother tip wonno tip won
Progressive 4YO gelding with an outstanding record of 5 wins from 11 starts. Has demonstrated exceptional ability to climb through the grades with four consecutive wins before a forgivable last start. Gets in light at 55kg and has shown tactical versatility.
Has a strong record of 8 wins from 28 starts and gets in with just 53kg. While stepping up in class, her rapid improvement and weight advantage make her a genuine threat.
Consistent 5YO gelding with an excellent place record (12 placings from 24 starts).
High-quality mare resuming from a spell with an excellent fresh record (2-0-1 from 4).
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Taken | 5 | Jamie Melham | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 55kg | $2.50 |
| 2nd | 6 | Merrigold | 4 | Jye McNeil | J D Sadler | 53kg | |
| 3rd | 3 | Verdad | 6 | Patrick Moloney | R D Griffiths | 57kg | |
| 4th | 7 | Slane | 1 | Lachlan Neindorf | E Jusufovic | 53kg | |
| 1 | Taramansour | 2 | Luke Currie | P Stokes | 59kg | ||
| 2 | Smokin' Princess | 3 | Michael Dee | Patrick & Michelle Payne | 57kg | ||
| 4 | Milford | 7 | Jackson Radley | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 53.5kg |
The Ciaron Maher-trained colt should have the tactical speed to overcome barrier 6 and be prominent in the run. The addition of a tongue tie for the first time could bring further improvement, though he'll need to handle the Good track after winning on Soft previously.
Alibaba brings valuable course experience having placed third at Caulfield in Listed company. The K & K Keys-trained colt drops slightly in class here and gets the services of in-form jockey Craig Newitt.
The Ben, Will & JD Hayes-trained colt has drawn ideally in barrier 3 and gets the services of in-form jockey Jamie Melham. His proven first-up ability (1 from 1) is a significant advantage, and while he faces a very fast tempo, his class should see him through.
The C W McDonald-trained runner gets the services of experienced jockey Ben Melham and the addition of a tongue tie first time could prove beneficial. While lacking race experience, the perfect draw should allow him to get an economical run throughout, potentially saving ground on the turn.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Alibaba | 3 | Craig Newitt | K & K Keys | 56kg | $3.20 |
| 2nd | 2 | Milsons Point | 5 | Ben Allen | C Maher | 58kg | |
| 3rd | 8 | Invicto | 9 | Ethan Brown | C Maher | 56kg | |
| 4th | 7 | High Alert | 1 | Luke Currie | A & S Freedman | 56kg | |
| Scr | 1 | Eurocanto | 2 | Jamie Melham | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 58kg | |
| Scr | 4 | Our Brave Boy | 8 | Lachlan Neindorf | P Stokes | 56kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Around The Marx | 4 | Beau Mertens | David & Coral Feek | 56kg | |
| 6 | Good Feel | 7 | Jye McNeil | M, W & J Hawkes | 56kg | ||
| 9 | Silent Grit | 6 | Michael Dee | N A Blackiston | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | Turbo Saint | 1 | Ben Melham | C W McDonald | 56kg |
The booking of in-form Ethan Brown (40% strike rate from last 20 rides) is significant, while the Maher stable has an excellent record with juveniles.
Streisand brings the strongest exposed form to this race with placings in both career starts at Listed/Open level. The wide barrier is a concern at Caulfield, but Ben Melham knows the filly well and should be able to navigate a path. The very fast tempo should suit her finishing style.
Jadzia has several factors in her favor despite the lack of exposed form. The advantageous barrier draw (2) is perfect for Caulfield's tight turning track, and the booking of Jordan Childs (35% strike rate from last 20 rides) is significant. Likely to secure an ideal position just off the pace.
The advantageous barrier (4) is ideal for Caulfield, and the Freedman-Neindorf combination boasts an impressive 29% strike rate. Neindorf is riding in good form (20% strike rate from last 20 rides), and the Freedman stable has a strong record with juveniles.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 14 | Rubi's Choice | 6 | Beau Mertens | G Eurell | 56kg | $26.00 |
| 2nd | 9 | I Am Aria | 1 | Michael Dee | M W Walker | 56kg | |
| 3rd | 5 | Gin Twist | 5 | Luke Nolen | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 56kg | |
| 4th | 3 | Ghana's Akan | 12 | Jamie Melham | C Maher | 56kg | |
| 1 | Streisand | 11 | Ben Melham | C W McDonald | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 2 | Lady Of Five | 9 | Adin Thompson | P & W Hulbert | 56kg | |
| 4 | Leopard Shark | 13 | Jye McNeil | Clayton Douglas | 56kg | ||
| 6 | Angels Fury | 10 | Ethan Brown | C Maher | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Expensive Taste | 8 | Harry Coffey | T & C McEvoy | 56kg | |
| 8 | Explosive Magic | 7 | Celine Gaudray | Liam Howley | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | Jadzia | 2 | Jordan Childs | G M Begg | 56kg | |
| Scr | 11 | La Gitana | 3 | Luke Currie | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 56kg | |
| Scr | 12 | Orchid Sky | 14 | John Allen | P Kearney | 56kg | |
| 13 | Queen's English | 4 | Lachlan Neindorf | A & S Freedman | 56kg |
First-up from a spell but has performed well fresh previously. The inside draw is perfect for Caulfield's 1400m start, and Michael Dee is a quality jockey booking.
Conchiero is a lightly-raced, progressive gelding from the powerful Waterhouse/Bott stable. Has shown ability with 2 wins from 7 starts and a strong 57% place rate. First-up from a long spell but has placed in both previous fresh runs. The wide barrier is a significant concern at Caulfield, but Ben Melham is an excellent jockey booking. Has the class potential to overcome obstacles.
Paradise City brings strong recent form with a close 2nd at Flemington in the same class. Has a proven record at 1400m with 2 wins and 2 placings from 6 attempts. The wide barrier is a concern at Caulfield, but her tactical speed should allow her to find a position. Emily Pozman has ridden her before for a placing.
Second-up today with a solid record in this pattern (1-0-2 from 4 starts).
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 13 | Everain | 2 | Jamie Mott | A & S Freedman | 58.5kg | $3.50 |
| 2nd | 11 | Conchiero | 12 | Ben Melham | G Waterhouse & A Bott | 59kg | |
| 3rd | 7 | Georgie Get Mad | 11 | Ben Allen | Denis Pagan | 60kg | |
| 4th | 4 | Jacks On Ice | 4 | Zac Spain | Mick Shepherdson | 61.5kg | |
| 1 | Le Ferrari | 6 | Jackson Radley | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 60.5kg | ||
| 2 | Delivering | 3 | Luke Cartwright | C Maher | 60.5kg | ||
| 3 | Shoeless | 7 | Hannah Edgley | Shawn Mathrick | 59.5kg | ||
| 5 | Nodachi | 5 | Ryan Houston | Niki O'Shea | 58.5kg | ||
| 6 | Arizona Activist | 9 | Celine Gaudray | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 60kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | Paradise City | 10 | Emily Pozman | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 57kg | |
| 9 | Quiseen | 1 | Michael Dee | Archie Alexander | 60kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | Bons To Riches | 13 | Shane Foley | Alexander Rae | 59kg | |
| Scr | 12 | Heavenly Eagle | 14 | Stephen Brown Jnr | S V Brown | 59kg | |
| 14 | Supercilious | 8 | Lachlan Neindorf | L & T Corstens & W Larkin | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 15 | Two Wolves | 4 | A & S Freedman | 58.5kg |
His last-start win was impressive and his second-up record (1 win from 4 starts) suggests further improvement. The very fast tempo should suit his racing pattern, and he maps to get a perfect midfield position from barrier 3.
Expulsion comes off an impressive fresh win and drops significantly in class from previous Listed/Group company. The 3yo filly should improve second-up and has Jamie Melham aboard who's riding at 30% winners from his last 20 rides. The wide barrier is the main concern.
Despite his modest recent form, he's well-suited by the expected fast tempo and gets in with a manageable 56.5kg.
La Astro Chat is a progressive 3yo with an impressive 43% win strike rate (3 from 7 starts). While this represents a significant class rise, he's shown consistent improvement with each run and his lightweight gives him a genuine chance to be competitive against more seasoned rivals.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 9 | La Astro Chat | 8 | Dakotah Keane | Pat Carey & Harris Walker | 52.5kg | $7.50 |
| 2nd | 2 | Along The River | 7 | Jordan Childs | M & L Cerchi | 59.5kg | |
| 3rd | 10 | Expulsion | 6 | Jamie Melham | A & S Freedman | 54kg | |
| 4th | 1 | Salsa Fellow | 2 | Mitchell Aitken | Henry Dwyer | 60kg | |
| Scr | 3 | Excess | 1 | Beau Mertens | Julius Sandhu | 59kg | |
| 4 | Declared | 3 | Jackson Radley | David Jolly & Justin Potter | 55.5kg | ||
| Scr | 5 | Legio Ten | 4 | Jye McNeil | Reece Goodwin | 58.5kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Eagle Express | 10 | Ben Melham | C J Waller | 57.5kg | |
| 7 | Mr Magnus | 5 | Patrick Moloney | R D Griffiths | 56.5kg | ||
| 8 | Damehood | 9 | Ethan Brown | C Maher | 55.5kg |
Suntora is in excellent form with a win and second placing in her last two starts. Her victory over this distance at Pakenham demonstrated her stamina, and she's proven adaptable across different tracks. While she's yet to race at Caulfield and has drawn barrier 8, her tactical versatility and strong recent performances make her a genuine contender.
Steel Run returns from a spell with an impressive record of 2 wins and 2 placings from 7 starts. His fresh record (1 win from 2 first-up starts) suggests he can perform well today, and his previous second at Caulfield over this distance is encouraging. The combination with in-form jockey Ethan Brown (40% strike rate from last 20 rides) is a significant positive, as is their 38% win rate together. While the wide barrier is a concern, his class and connections give him strong claims.
Trapalanda brings rock-solid consistency with three consecutive second placings, including a strong performance at Flemington 12 days ago over this distance. His tactical versatility and proven ability to handle good tracks make him well-suited to today's conditions. While stepping up in class, his consistency and adaptability give him a clear edge.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Suntora | 7 | Jackson Radley | Nick Ryan | 54.5kg | $4.00 |
| 2nd | 9 | Active Duty | 1 | Dean Yendall | L Smith | 56.5kg | |
| 3rd | 5 | Stylish Secret | 3 | Ben Melham | Mick Nolan | 57.5kg | |
| 4th | 7 | Steel Run | 9 | Ethan Brown | M C Kent | 57kg | |
| 1 | Dublin Journal | 5 | Luke Currie | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 62.5kg | ||
| Scr | 2 | Night Endeavor | 6 | Luke Cartwright | C Maher | 60.5kg | |
| 3 | Paradise Storm | 4 | Michael Dee | Henry Dwyer | 62.5kg | ||
| 4 | Opening Address | 2 | Celine Gaudray | Liam Howley | 60.5kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | Trapalanda | 6 | Ryan Houston | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 55kg | |
| 10 | Midnight Glow | 8 | Craig Newitt | J P Salanitri | 55kg |
Beast Mode brings the strongest combination of recent form and distance suitability. With a perfect barrier, significant weight advantage, and proven ability to race on-pace in fast tempo races, he's ideally positioned to capitalize on the expected race shape.
Geegees Mistruth brings high-class credentials with multiple Group race wins. Her first-up record is solid and her last preparation included strong performances at Group level. While she may settle midfield from barrier 8, the fast tempo should allow her to showcase her strong finishing burst. The booking of Ben Melham is a positive for a mare with genuine class.
Oak Hill brings an exceptional first-up record and impressive win strike rate to this contest. His 1000m record is outstanding and he's proven at Caulfield. The wide barrier is a concern in a race with strong early speed, but his tactical versatility should allow him to find a position. The class rise is significant but his raw ability and first-up prowess make him a genuine contender.
Second-up from a spell, he should improve on that run. The fast tempo should suit his racing pattern.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Way To The Stars | 3 | Ethan Brown | Matthew Smith | 60kg | $11.00 |
| 2nd | 4 | Oak Hill | 9 | Jamie Melham | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 58kg | |
| 3rd | 6 | Geegees Mistruth | 8 | Ben Melham | M W Walker | 57kg | |
| 4th | 9 | Always Enuff | 2 | Zac Spain | Shane Nichols & Hayden Black | 54kg | |
| 1 | Insurrection | 7 | Michael Dee | Michael Freedman | 60kg | ||
| 3 | Midwest | 4 | Harry Coffey | A & S Freedman | 58.5kg | ||
| Scr | 5 | Cannonball | 5 | John Allen | P Kearney | 57kg | |
| 7 | Beast Mode | 6 | Celine Gaudray | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | Philosopher | 1 | Jye McNeil | E Jusufovic | 54kg |
Second-up today where she has a perfect record, she maps to get an ideal run from barrier 2 with Ben Melham aboard (2-from-2 on this horse). The weight advantage and strong soft track record (2 wins from 3 starts) further enhance her claims in what shapes as a very fast tempo race.
Her last start 3rd in Listed company indicates she's ready for this class, and she gets the services of Jordan Childs who's in red-hot form (7 wins from last 20 rides). The wide barrier is mitigated by her backmarker racing style in what should be a genuinely run race.
Salty Pearl brings strong credentials as a proven performer at Caulfield and over this distance.
While stepping up significantly in class, the Eurell-trained colt brings untapped potential and a perfect record on good tracks. The likely fast tempo should suit his racing style, and he carries no weight penalty despite his win.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Space Rider | 10 | Ethan Brown | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 57kg | $15.00 |
| 2nd | 2 | Job Done | 8 | Thomas Stockdale | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 57kg | |
| 3rd | 6 | Salty Pearl | 3 | Ben Allen | C Maher | 56.5kg | |
| 4th | 9 | Custom | 4 | Jamie Melham | C Maher | 55kg | |
| 3 | Romantic Encounter | 1 | Luke Currie | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57kg | ||
| 4 | Express Class | 5 | Patrick Moloney | G M Moloney | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 5 | Cyber Link | 7 | Beau Mertens | G Eurell | 57kg | |
| 7 | Miss Ole | 2 | Ben Melham | C W McDonald | 55kg | ||
| 8 | Naifah | 9 | Jordan Childs | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 55kg | ||
| 10 | Conscience | 6 | Luke Cartwright | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 55kg |
Mare showing recent improvement with a last-start Group 3 second placing. Her Caulfield record is excellent (1-1-1 from 8 starts) and she's drawn perfectly in barrier 2.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | Regal Zeus | 1 | Jamie Mott | John McArdle | 58.5kg | $3.30 |
| 2nd | 10 | Hughes | 6 | Craig Newitt | Gavin Bedggood | 54kg | |
| 3rd | 11 | Justadeel | 8 | Beau Mertens | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 54kg | |
| 4th | 4 | Cafe Millenium | 11 | Celine Gaudray | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 58kg | |
| 1 | Attrition | 5 | Michael Dee | Mitchell Freedman | 61kg | ||
| Scr | 2 | Zou Sensation | 4 | Jamie Melham | L & T Corstens & W Larkin | 59kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Steparty | 10 | John Allen | P A Preusker | 57kg | |
| 6 | Arran Bay | 7 | Thomas Stockdale | P Stokes | 56.5kg | ||
| Scr | 7 | Aztec Ruler | 3 | William Pike | S V Vahala | 56kg | |
| 8 | Extratwo | 2 | Harry Coffey | C Maher | 54kg | ||
| 9 | Contemporary | 9 | Dean Yendall | L Smith | 54kg |
Touchdown brings an exceptional record of 4 wins from 6 starts and has never missed a place. While stepping up significantly in class, his progressive profile suggests further improvement is likely. Has tactical versatility to overcome barrier 6 and should get an ideal run in midfield. The Hayes stable is placing this horse perfectly through the grades, and his last-start win at Caulfield Heath over 1800m indicates he's ready for this assignment.
The inside barrier draw is advantageous at Caulfield, and she gets in well at the weights with 55.5kg. While stepping up to the mile for the first time, her racing pattern suggests she'll handle it, and Jamie Melham (30% strike rate from last 20 rides) is riding in excellent form.
His record at the mile is exceptional with 2 wins, 2 seconds and 2 thirds from 6 attempts. Gets in light with just 54kg and has proven ability on good tracks.
While stepping up in class is a concern, his recent form suggests he's capable of being competitive, especially with just 55kg on his back.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 6 | Narbold | 3 | Ben Melham | C J Waller | 58kg | $19.00 |
| 2nd | 1 | Black Storm | 5 | Ryan Houston | T Fitzsimmons | 59.5kg | |
| 3rd | 4 | Sunsets | 11 | Jackson Radley | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 57kg | |
| 4th | 5 | Touchdown | 6 | Luke Currie | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 60kg | |
| Scr | 2 | Welcometotheshow | 8 | Tyler Donaldson-Aitken | 61.5kg | ||
| Scr | 3 | Angland | 1 | Jordan Childs | G M Begg | 60kg | |
| 7 | Morryl Moral | 7 | John Allen | C Maher | 57.5kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | Ahha Ahha | 2 | Jamie Melham | C W McDonald | 55.5kg | |
| 9 | Crown Crusher | 4 | Celine Gaudray | S V Brown | 55kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | Enchanted Jenni | 10 | Beau Mertens | Lucy Yeomans | 55kg | |
| Scr | 11 | His Finest Hour | 9 | Harry Coffey | N J Dyer | 54kg | |
| 12 | Yes I Know | 8 | Michael Dee | A & S Freedman | 54kg |
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