Caulfield Guineas Prelude – 2021

Track: Soft? Weather: Showers

Eight colts and two geldings have accepted for the $300,000 Caulfield Guineas Prelude and James Cummings is the leading trainer with two runners entered in the event.  The early favourite in the betting is the Queenslander Alpine Edge.  He scored easily at Eagle Farm first up then was run down in the last stride at Doomben last time out.  Next in the betting is Riverplate.  He is trained by Trent Busutin & Natalie Young at Cranbourne and stormed home to finish second in his Australian debut at Sandown on September 1.

Military Expert is a $1.1 million dollar colt trained by Annabel Neasham.  Lightsabre won the VRC Sires Produce in March and is suited stepping up to 1400m where he has won twice.  Brigantine is one of two last start winners in the race.  The other is Timson who flashed home to win a Casterton maiden in fast time on debut.  While Athelric is ready to win having hit the line strongly at both runs back.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Alpine Edge

Son of Better Than Ready trained in Queensland by Toby & Trent Edmonds.  He has finished in the top 2 at 5 of his 6 starts and looked the winner last start before Startantes – who had the advantage of rails in run – nabbed him on the line.  Talented.

2. Lightsaber

Got going late in the McNeil Stakes second up.  Out to 1400m suits and he has drawn well in seven.  Expecting him to run well.

3. Brigantine

One of two Godolphin runners.  He is a last start winner and maps well with Damian Lane booked to ride.

4. Athelric

Has been strong through the line at both runs this preparation.  Looks ready to win a race third up.

5. Cape Breton

Resuming in his second preparation.  He won twice to begin his racing career before failing in the Group 1 JJ Atkins as a $31 chance.  Prefer to watch him first up.

6. Military Expert

$1.1 million dollar colt who has the speed to come across and lead these from gate five.  Each way claims.

7. Bifrost

Kiwi gelding who won a high rating maiden on the Pakenham synthetic first up.  Safely held at the Valley last time out when well backed.  Wouldn’t shock to see him bounce back.

8. Timson

Massive effort to win a Casterton maiden on debut .  He got well back over 1100m and flew home to win right on the wire.  Capable of measuring up here.

9. Riverplate

Big eye catcher in a high rating maiden first up at Sandown.  He finished second after getting a long way back in the run.  Strips fitter here second up and looks better suited at 1400m.  Rates highly.

10. Gimme A Buzz

Has been starting long odds and not figuring in maiden grade.  No.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
1. Alpine Edge	9. Riverplate
2. Lightsabre	4. Athelric
3. Brigantine	2. Lightsabre
4. Athelric	1. Alpine Edge

The track was rated as Good

Scratchings: 5. Cape Breton

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	2. Lightsaber
2nd	3. Brigantine	0.5 length
3rd	6. Military Expert	0.7 length
4th	1. Alpine Edge	1.45 lengths