Caulfield Guineas – 2022

Track: Soft Weather: Fine

A full field of sixteen have accepted for the $3,000,000 Group 1 Caufield Guineas.  Godolphin colt Golden Mile is a clear favourite in the betting.  He brings strong form lines down from NSW and has drawn well with James McDonald in the saddle.  Dan O’Sullivan and Craig Williams combine with the second favourite Berkley Square who has won three of his first four starts.  The remaining runners are longer than $10-1.

1. Tijuana (10)

Mark Zahra back from France to ride.  Was a close up third at Flemington two back, then had all favours when winning at the Valley by a narrow margin last start.  Makes his own luck up on speed.  In the mix again here.

2. Berkeley Square (7)

Very progressive gelding trained by Dan O’Sullivan.  Had no right to win last start after being badly held up, but found a way.  Drawn well.  Hard to knock.

3. Golden Mile (5)

Well backed favourite in early betting.  Form is strong.  Bolted in in the Ming Dynasty, then a very solid fourth in a high rating Golden Rose.  Some query at the trip but is drawn well for James McDonald and is a deserved favourite.

4. Millane (11)

Finished midfield in the Golden Rose last start.  Peter Moody said he is looking for dry ground and is likely to scratch if wet track.  Knock out chance if he runs.

5. Bank Maur (17)

Charged home first up, then was able to settle closer and win comfortably last start.  Think there might of been a bit left in the tank there.  Wouldn’t shock but needs a good ride from the wide gate.

6. Foujita San (18)

Once upon a time was favourite for this race in futures markets.  Hasn’t lived up to the early hype, although did run an improved race at Moonee Valley.

7. Meridius (16)

Has charged to the line to run second at both runs back.  Gets D Lane here.  Each way chance if he can get some cover from the wide gate.

8. Skyphios (3)

Talented stayer who won impressively over 1800m at Flemington before the break.  Would take a monster effort to win this first up and his odds reflect this.  Derby bound?

9. Osipenko (15)

Very interesting runner.  Started a warm second favourite in the lead up where he was completely unsuited.  Sydney form prior was very good as was his recent jump out.  Wouldn’t be surprised to see him run a big race here at a price.

10. Amenable (14)

Has got back and worked to the line well at both runs this prep.  Blinkers go on.  Oliver booked.  Can win.

11. Elkington Road (2)

Unbeaten colt trained by Michael Moroney.  Will handle a rain affected track but not sure his form is strong enough to be featuring here.

12. Sir Bailey (4)

Run last start was better than the form guide suggests.  Right camp.  Place chance.

13. Elliptical (1)

Has got back and hit the line well at both runs this prep.  Looks ready to peak now third up.  Can settle closer from the inside gate. The Freedman’s are the ultimate Grand Final camp!

14. Lethal Thoughts (12)

From the right stable however recent form doesn’t read well enough to be recommending here.

15. The Fortune Teller (8)

Was a good second at Sandown last start behind Bank Maur.  Needs to go to a new level to play a role here though.

16. Dashing (13)

Safely held in 64 grade last time.  Doubt he can feature here.

17. Angry Skies (9) – 1st Emergency

Very good debut win at Swan Hill running fast time.  Then made up solid ground in the worst part of the track at Sandown.  Consider for multiples.

18. Muramasa (6) – 2nd Emergency

Loved the debut win at Sale.  Unsuited last time at Moonee Valley but still finished off well enough.  Look for him hitting the line again here with the VRC Derby in mind.  Note he is a dual acceptor in Adelaide.  Very hard to beat if he goes there!

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
2 Berkley Square	9 Osipenko
3 Golden Mile	2 Berkley Square
1 Tijuana	10 Amenable
11 Elkington Road	3 Golden Mile

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	3 Golden Mile
2nd	13 Elliptical	0.2 length
3rd	9 Osipenko	0.5 length
4th	2 Berkeley Square	0.6 length

The track was rated as Soft 5.

Scratchings: 17e. Angry Skies, 18e. Muramasa.