Punt like a Pro, without the know!
Victoria · Saturday 9 May 2026
Our top pick won 3 of 9 races at Caulfield. Every pick, our analysis and the full results are below.
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Debutant from leading stable with elite jockey/trainer combo. Won her trial at Caulfield Heath in good time, defeating today's rivals Truant and The Destroyer. Barrier 3 is ideal at Caulfield where on-pace runners with inside draws dominate. The proxy evaluation (trainer profile, jockey quality, trial form) all point to a horse ready to win first up. Slight concern over Soft 6 debut but stable handles wet conditions well.
Barrier 2 and likely leading role aligns perfectly with Caulfield's strong on-pace bias for sprint races. Jockey unfamiliarity with metro tracks is the chief concern.
Improving second-up profile is a positive and Ben Allen is in excellent recent form. Barrier 8 is the main negative requiring early work to secure midfield position.
Barrier 4 is ideal for Caulfield sprint where forward position is critical. Although beaten by Natural Fling in trial, the gear application (winkers, lugging bit) suggests connections expect improvement.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 12 | Natural Fling | 3 | Harry Coffey | T & C McEvoy | 56kg | $2.10 |
| 2nd | 1 | Jarbardar | 2 | Jason Lyon | C D Widdison | 59kg | $6.00 |
| 3rd | 3 | Shooting Brake | 8 | Ben Allen | Dominic Sutton | 58.5kg | $6.50 |
| 4th | 11 | Miss Graff | 5 | Linda Meech | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 56kg | $19.00 |
| 5th | 6 | King Koruna | 7 | John Allen | C Maher | 58kg | $17.00 |
| 6th | 2 | Ko Phangan | 14 | Craig Williams | T Busuttin & N Young | 59kg | $12.00 |
| 7th | 13 | Shinsiena | 6 | Jye McNeil | Mark & Levi Kavanagh | 56kg | $41.00 |
| 8th | 7 | Truant | 4 | Mark Zahra | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 58kg | $7.50 |
| 9th | 14 | The Destroyer | 11 | Beau Mertens | Lloyd Kennewell | 56kg | $26.00 |
| Scr | 4 | Aemond | 9 | Jamie Mott | A & S Freedman | 58kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Blue Meteor | 13 | C Maher | 58kg | ||
| Scr | 8 | Howcani Resistyou | 10 | Logan Bates | Lloyd Kennewell | 54.5kg | |
| Scr | 9 | Icelady | 12 | C Maher | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | Je Suis Beyonce | 1 | Emily Pozman | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 53kg | |
| Scr | 15 | Frewdamoss | 15 | Billy Egan | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 56kg |
Lightly raced import with strong pedigree connections. The Hayes stable engaging Craig Williams from a midfield draw signals genuine intent. Won an Irish maiden at 2000m on soft, and is 2nd up after a competitive Pakenham return. The class rise is notable but his upside as a developing 4-year-old is significant. Soft 6 conditions suit, and Williams' 17% strike rate at Caulfield is a positive.
Comes in off back-to-back 2000m wins at Ballarat and is undefeated at the trip. The Maher stable is in strong form and the light weight helps. However, barrier 15 at Caulfield is a serious negative given the track's bias toward forward-positioned runners, and he'll need to overcome both the wide draw and a meaningful class rise. Talented enough to win but needs the map to work.
Last start 2nd at Flemington over 2500m at Bench 84 level reads strongly for this Bench 78 assignment. Barrier 10 is a slight concern at Caulfield but McNeil retains the ride and the horse can settle midfield within striking distance. Form trajectory is upward and conditions suit.
His last-start 4th at Flemington showed clear improvement and the soft track suits with 5 placings from 10 soft track starts. Ben Allen is in good form and class drop is meaningful.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 13 | Simurgh | 6 | Craig Williams | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 54kg | $2.50 |
| 2nd | 10 | Almairac | 14 | Harry Coffey | C I Brown | 54.5kg | $15.00 |
| 3rd | 9 | Bold Strike | 15 | Jamie Mott | C Maher | 55.5kg | $7.00 |
| 4th | 3 | Cadogan | 5 | Mark Zahra | T & C McEvoy | 60kg | $4.60 |
| 5th | 6 | Haaracaine | 11 | Ben Allen | Nick Ryan | 57.5kg | $9.50 |
| 6th | 12 | Powerful Torque | 12 | Linda Meech | David & Coral Feek | 54kg | $31.00 |
| 7th | 5 | Dreams Come True | 9 | Beau Mertens | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 57.5kg | $12.00 |
| 8th | 2 | Regal Lion | 4 | Molly Bourke | Gavin Bedggood | 59.5kg | $31.00 |
| 9th | 7 | Curse It | 8 | Logan Bates | G Eurell | 55.5kg | $12.00 |
| 10th | 1 | Fernao | 2 | Jackson Radley | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 59kg | $61.00 |
| 11th | 14 | Warchime | 3 | Brett Scott | 54kg | $61.00 | |
| Scr | 4 | Xtra Rush | 10 | Jye McNeil | Richard Laming | 59.5kg | |
| Scr | 8 | Morryl Moral | 13 | C Maher | 56kg | ||
| Scr | 11 | Autumn Slide | 1 | Ryan Houston | Simon Zahra | 52.5kg | |
| Scr | 15 | A Diva | 7 | Richard Laming | 56kg |
Jett Smash brings outstanding momentum with three consecutive wins, including a strong BM74 victory at Sandown. His perfect soft-track record (3 from 3) is a major positive given today's Soft 6 conditions. While the barrier 14 and class rise are concerns, his on-pace racing style suits Caulfield's positional bias. The Egan/O'Brien combination has been firing and represents stable confidence. Genuine winning chance.
West Of Swindon has the strongest class credentials in the race, having won Group 2 at Moonee Valley last preparation. While recent form has been moderate at higher levels, dropping back to Open class with a 1600m suiting his profile makes him a serious contender. Concerns around the wide barrier, unproven soft track ability and apprentice rider temper enthusiasm. Place chance solid.
Rising Star draws perfectly in barrier 2, ideal for Caulfield's positional bias. Her soft-track record of 2 wins from 3 starts is a major positive, and she comes in second-up where she has won previously. The class rise from a Restricted 66 is a significant query, but the inside draw and conditions suiting make her a leading place chance.
The inside barrier 5 is ideal for Caulfield, and dropping in class from recent Group attempts represents a real opportunity. Each-way value play.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 | Highvol | 5 | Jamie Mott | Nick Ryan | 56kg | $16.00 |
| 2nd | 12 | Tarntanya | 3 | Eoin Walsh | Chris Calthorpe | 54kg | $18.00 |
| 3rd | 11 | Himalayan | 6 | Jye McNeil | E & D Browne | 54kg | $5.50 |
| 4th | 2 | Jett Smash | 14 | Billy Egan | D T O'Brien | 57kg | $4.40 |
| 5th | 9 | Gold Topaz | 7 | Alana Kelly | Mitchell Freedman | 54kg | $26.00 |
| 6th | 10 | Hot Sand | 10 | Teodore Nugent | Bill Papazaharoudakis | 54kg | $19.00 |
| 7th | 8 | Rising Star | 2 | Beau Mertens | T Busuttin & N Young | 54kg | $6.50 |
| 8th | 3 | Azazel | 9 | Mark Zahra | M W Walker | 56.5kg | $15.00 |
| 9th | 5 | Bona Sforza | 1 | Logan Bates | Samantha Finnegan | 53kg | $12.00 |
| 10th | 1 | West Of Swindon | 12 | Molly Bourke | C Maher | 58kg | $8.50 |
| 11th | 14 | Tallingas Indirose | 4 | Jason Lyon | S S Cunningham | 54kg | $151.00 |
| 12th | 6 | Cooly | 11 | Linda Meech | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 54kg | $6.50 |
| Scr | 7 | Sunlit Serenade | 8 | Harry Coffey | T & C McEvoy | 54kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Sabeeria | 13 | C I Brown | 54kg |
Soft track form is proven, barrier 6 maps perfectly to settle in the first half of the field at Caulfield, and her improving trajectory suggests she's running into peak form.
Won her debut on Soft 6 at Cranbourne convincingly and now steps up sharply but with a perfect map - barrier 1 with Harry Coffey aboard at a track that rewards inside positioning. Track condition (Soft 6) replicates her winning surface exactly.
Genuine Caulfield form with a Listed second over today's distance and track. Mark Zahra's booking is a strong positive given his 30% recent strike rate and 16% record at Caulfield. Frankel filly proven on Soft going. Barrier 10 is the main concern requiring tactical brilliance to find the right spot. Recent form has been moderate but she's been against tougher opposition than today's field.
The wide barrier 13 is a clear negative at Caulfield where positioning is critical, but the Caulfield bias data shows outside barriers actually performed best in recent samples.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 12 | Jewel Of Heaven | 8 | Beau Mertens | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 54kg | $26.00 |
| 2nd | 6 | Bella Verona | 1 | Harry Coffey | M M Laurie | 55kg | $4.80 |
| 3rd | 8 | Brass In Pocket | 13 | Teodore Nugent | Nathan Dunn | 54.5kg | $6.00 |
| 4th | 7 | Two To Tango | 6 | Craig Williams | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 55kg | $3.90 |
| 5th | 3 | Cherish Me | 11 | Logan Bates | C Maher | 58kg | $10.00 |
| 6th | 5 | White Hot Mama | 5 | Dakotah Keane | C W McDonald | 53.5kg | $14.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Chateau Eze | 10 | Mark Zahra | M W Walker | 57.5kg | $6.50 |
| 8th | 11 | Chloe First | 9 | Linda Meech | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 54kg | $51.00 |
| 9th | 9 | Go Left | 3 | Emily Pozman | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 51.5kg | $31.00 |
| 10th | 2 | Prestige Snitzel | 2 | Ryan Houston | M M Laurie | 58kg | $41.00 |
| 11th | 10 | Alzaro | 7 | Jye McNeil | C Maher | 54kg | $8.00 |
| Scr | 1 | Exit | 4 | C Maher | 60kg | ||
| Scr | 13 | Classy Sassy | 12 | D J Cannon | 54kg |
Oceana Dream is the most progressive runner in the race, having scored an authoritative win at this track and distance just three weeks ago on a Soft 7. With a 60% win rate and excellent wet track credentials (4:2-0-1), she handles Soft 6 conditions ideally. While barrier 9 and her settling pattern aren't perfect for Caulfield, her clear class progression and fitness profile mark her as the most likely winner.
Narbold has strong credentials including a previous win at this track and distance, and an excellent wet-track record. The Waller stable can place horses well first-up despite his first-up stats being modest. Barrier 8 is a slight negative but his consistent class and proven distance suitability make him a key player in the placings.
Craig Williams stays aboard and barrier 5 is ideal for Caulfield's positional bias. The significant class rise and gear changes are mild concerns, but the underlying form profile is genuinely strong. Likely to feature in the finish.
Previous Caulfield winner with the inside barrier 4 ideally suiting the track bias. Strong claim to feature in the placings.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 8 | Makdane | 4 | Molly Bourke | M C Kent | 54kg | $4.60 |
| 2nd | 4 | Narbold | 8 | Jye McNeil | C J Waller | 58kg | $9.00 |
| 3rd | 7 | Oceana Dream | 9 | Linda Meech | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 56.5kg | $2.30 |
| 4th | 3 | Angry Skies | 7 | Ben Allen | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 58kg | $21.00 |
| 5th | 9 | Nation's Call | 11 | Logan Bates | R D Griffiths | 54.5kg | $7.00 |
| 6th | 2 | Farhh Flung | 2 | Billy Egan | D T O'Brien | 59kg | $13.00 |
| 7th | 12 | Belle Savoir | 1 | Beau Mertens | Nick Ryan | 54kg | $16.00 |
| 8th | 11 | Dragoon | 3 | Jackson Radley | G Eurell | 52kg | $21.00 |
| 9th | 1 | Highlights | 6 | Dakotah Keane | Nick Ryan | 59kg | $21.00 |
| Scr | 5 | Everain | 5 | Craig Williams | A & S Freedman | 57kg | |
| Scr | 6 | Scandalize | 12 | Chris Bieg | 57kg | ||
| Scr | 10 | Nana's Wish | 10 | Harry Coffey | C Maher | 55.5kg |
Light weight, in-form jockey Egan and short break point to peak fitness. The class rise is the main concern but consistency and finishing burst at Caulfield where he has track experience make him the most reliable winning chance.
Elite class galloper returning from a 20-month spell. The class drop from Group level to BM84 is enormous and his 4 wins from 6 starts profile is exceptional. Mark Zahra booking and ability to roll forward from barrier 5 are major positives at Caulfield. The huge layoff is the only real query but stable confidence with a top jockey suggests they expect a bold first-up showing.
Drops significantly in class today with last start on Heavy 8 forgivable. The wide barrier is a concern at on-pace Caulfield but his class and explosive turn of foot give him a genuine winning chance if he can find cover and unleash his finish.
Has Open-class form including a Flemington win this prep and drops in grade today.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 14 | Bazaball Rewarded | 13 | Teodore Nugent | Kelvin Southey | 54kg | $14.00 |
| 2nd | 15 | Cannyworth | 4 | Ryan Houston | Glen Thompson | 52kg | $6.50 |
| 3rd | 1 | Bustling | 5 | Mark Zahra | M Price & M Kent Jnr | 62kg | $5.00 |
| 4th | 10 | Call To Glory | 8 | Craig Williams | Tom Dabernig | 56.5kg | $6.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Elouyou | 3 | Harry Coffey | Scott Cameron | 60kg | $12.00 |
| 6th | 6 | Perilous Fighter | 2 | Beau Mertens | Clayton Douglas | 60.5kg | $21.00 |
| 7th | 4 | Tristate | 6 | Craig Newitt | Edward Cummings | 61kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 11 | Along The River | 7 | Billy Egan | M & L Cerchi | 56kg | $5.50 |
| 9th | 9 | Piastri | 9 | Molly Bourke | C Maher | 55kg | $11.00 |
| 10th | 3 | Port Albert | 10 | Jackson Radley | Nick Ryan | 58.5kg | $20.00 |
| 11th | 12 | Shining Smile | 12 | Jamie Mott | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 56kg | $9.00 |
| 12th | 8 | Goodlucktome | 1 | Jason Maskiell | Ms D Chapman | 60kg | $101.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Philosopher | 11 | Emily Pozman | E Jusufovic | 59kg | |
| Scr | 5 | Katsu | 1 | Logan Bates | Gavin Bedggood | 59kg | |
| Scr | 13 | Demojo | 15 | Kylie Vella | 54.5kg |
Marble Arch profiles as the class horse of the race, dropping from Group company back to BM100 where she has previous wins. Wide draw is the main negative, but tactical Bates can use her cruising speed to take a forward spot.
The Soft 6 suits perfectly and barrier 3 lets him settle on-pace, which is critical at Caulfield. Top weight is the only major concern but the class drop and wet-track stats compensate. A genuine winning chance.
Distance is the main query as he's only had one run at 1400m+ (which he won). Last start in Group 3 sprint can be forgiven on tempo.
The 50kg with claim is a huge advantage versus Marble Arch's 59kg. Class rise is the obvious concern but he's been competitive at Caulfield previously and barrier 4 with a forward run suits the track bias.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 | Brave One | 1 | Jye McNeil | M, W & J Hawkes | 55.5kg | $4.60 |
| 2nd | 4 | El Rocko | 7 | Jamie Mott | John McArdle | 58kg | $7.50 |
| 3rd | 9 | Give Me Space | 9 | Craig Williams | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 53kg | $5.50 |
| 4th | 2 | Marble Arch | 10 | Logan Bates | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 59kg | $12.00 |
| 5th | 7 | Cartoon Graveyard | 2 | Craig Newitt | J L Keys | 54.5kg | $9.50 |
| 6th | 10 | Capper Thirtynine | 4 | Dakotah Keane | Nick Ryan | 50kg | $5.50 |
| 7th | 8 | Windstorm | 6 | Molly Bourke | Gavin Bedggood | 51.5kg | $19.00 |
| 8th | 3 | Green Fly | 3 | Damien Thornton | A & S Freedman | 59.5kg | $6.50 |
| 9th | 1 | Jimmy The Bear | 8 | Holly Durnan | Patrick Payne | 58.5kg | $21.00 |
| 10th | 6 | Coastwatch | 5 | Beau Mertens | Reece Goodwin | 55.5kg | $31.00 |
Etna Rosso represents the best blend of class, form and conditions suitability. The class drop from Group level into BM100 is meaningful, and the soft 6 surface plays directly to his strengths. The Waller-McNeil combination at metropolitan level adds further confidence.
Immediacy returns to the scene of his best win - a BM100 victory over this track and trip last May. His Group 3 form at Caulfield this autumn, including a strong-finishing 3rd on April 4, indicates he's well-suited by the layout and now drops back to BM100 grade. Craig Williams' strong Caulfield record adds confidence. Barrier 9 is the main concern but he can settle midfield and benefits from the strong-form profile and proven track-distance credentials.
Barrier 6 is ideal for Caulfield's first-half-of-field bias and his Albury Listed 2nd on Soft 6 confirms wet ground ability. The concern is his 0-from-7 record at Caulfield and propensity to find one or two better. At BM100 grade with a class drop this is his best opportunity to break through though placing remains more likely than winning.
The 3kg claim brings him to 54kg which is a significant advantage.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | Plymouth | 6 | Jamie Mott | Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | 59kg | $7.50 |
| 2nd | 14 | Howlin' Rain | 11 | Logan Bates | Ms C Alderson | 51.5kg | $13.00 |
| 3rd | 5 | Brayden Star | 2 | Craig Newitt | T Busuttin & N Young | 59kg | $51.00 |
| 4th | 8 | Pounding | 5 | Emily Pozman | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 54kg | $5.50 |
| 5th | 10 | Black Run | 7 | Ryan Houston | Annabel & Rob Archibald | 52.5kg | $7.50 |
| 6th | 6 | Immediacy | 9 | Craig Williams | T Busuttin & N Young | 59kg | $6.00 |
| 7th | 9 | Virtuous Circle | 10 | Jackson Radley | Liam Howley | 53.5kg | $31.00 |
| 8th | 12 | Go Daddy | 4 | Beau Mertens | C Maher | 53kg | $21.00 |
| 9th | 1 | Land Legend | 3 | Mark Zahra | C Maher | 61kg | $3.30 |
| 10th | 4 | Etna Rosso | 8 | Jye McNeil | C J Waller | 60kg | $14.00 |
| 11th | 3 | Smokin' Romans | 12 | Molly Bourke | C Maher | 58.5kg | $41.00 |
| 12th | 13 | Antrim Coast | 1 | Holly Durnan | Patrick Payne | 50kg | $71.00 |
| Scr | 2 | Sayedaty Sadaty | 1 | C Maher | 60.5kg | ||
| Scr | 11 | Mission Of Love | 9 | Teodore Nugent | J G Symons & S Laxon | 53kg |
Swift Force is a lightly raced filly with an exceptional record (3 wins from 4) and is a perfect 2-from-2 first up. She's a confirmed soft track performer with strong recent form including a Launceston Open win. The class rise from Tasmania is unknown but her trajectory and stable confidence suggest she's well-placed.
The Zahra booking signals genuine intent and she's dropping from Listed company. Place chance at worst.
The Hawkes stable with Jye McNeil aboard at just 54kg is a powerful combination. Class rise is real but her metrics suggest she's well above this grade. Most likely winner on form.
Outstanding soft track record (13:3-6-1) suits today's Soft 6.
| Finish | No. | Horse | Barrier | Jockey | Trainer | Weight | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 10 | Swift Force | 8 | Craig Newitt | J L Keys | 56.5kg | $4.60 |
| 2nd | 13 | Actuality | 17 | Molly Bourke | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 53kg | $9.50 |
| 3rd | 7 | Runlikenencryption | 6 | Jackson Radley | Ben Brisbourne | 54kg | $18.00 |
| 4th | 9 | Sun Setting | 1 | Dakotah Keane | M M Laurie | 54kg | $13.00 |
| 5th | 6 | Delicate Lady | 2 | Jamie Mott | Jerome Hunter | 57kg | $13.00 |
| 6th | 3 | Per Sempre | 15 | Brad Rawiller | C J Cassar | 58kg | $12.00 |
| 7th | 1 | Royal Lass | 7 | Ryan Houston | Lee & Shannon Hope | 57.5kg | $61.00 |
| 8th | 15 | Persian Caviar | 5 | Linda Meech | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 55kg | $8.50 |
| 9th | 14 | Legacy Bay | 9 | Emily Pozman | P G Moody & Katherine Coleman | 52kg | $6.00 |
| 10th | 2 | Glasgow Lass | 4 | Mark Zahra | M M Laurie | 59kg | $7.50 |
| 11th | 12 | Tournelle | 11 | Craig Williams | A & S Freedman | 55.5kg | $12.00 |
| 12th | 4 | Bedtime Angel | 16 | Teodore Nugent | J F Moloney | 57kg | $81.00 |
| 13th | 5 | Blue Hotel | 3 | Beau Mertens | Clayton Douglas | 57kg | $31.00 |
| 14th | 8 | Silent Shares | 12 | Billy Egan | Gavin Bedggood | 57kg | $26.00 |
| Scr | 11 | Honor Galore | 14 | C I Brown | 55.5kg | ||
| Scr | 16 | Mauna Kea Miss | 13 | Melea Castle | Rory Hunter | 54kg | |
| Scr | 17 | Marsept | 10 | Jye McNeil | M, W & J Hawkes | 54kg |
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