Track: Soft-Heavy   Weather: Rain

A field of eleven three year old colts and geldings have accepted for the $175,000 Gothic Stakes.  The Chris Waller trained Osamu is a clear early favourite.  It is not often that an eight start maiden is favourite in a Saturday race, especially during the Caulfield Cup Carnival but Osamu had his last start in a Group 2.  Endanger for the Freedmans was unlucky last start after winning his maiden convincingly on debut.  Miraitowa was an impressive winner at his only start in a Ballarat maiden and Kevin Corstens has had no hesitations in bringing him straight to town.

Salt Peter won two of his first three races but is yet recapture that form in two runs this preparation.  Torbreck draws well in barrier seven and looks set to peak here third up for the Hayes and Dabernig Stable.  William Pike and the Hawkes team up again in this race with Loca – they were of course successful in winning the Caulfield Guineas last week with Ole Kirk.  Just A Tribute and Fender Bender are both trained by John Salanitri and will line up on their home track.  The rest of the runners are $20-1 or longer.

1.  Salt Peter

He put together two nice wins in his first preparation.  Is yet to recapture that winning form in two attempts this preparation but may be suited by a softer track.  Should get a good run from barrier 5 under Damian Oliver.

2. Osamu

Down from Sydney.  The Sydney trained horses have a good record in Melbourne at this time of year especially the ones trained by Chris Waller.  He is an eight start maiden but had his most recent start in a group two, none of these have been to that level.  Yet to place in two attempts on wet tracks, so might be a risk if the track is heavy.

3. Itzhot

He resumed a gelding at Moonee Valley and looked like he had something to offer on the turn before weakening.  Craig Williams takes over here.  A soft track might be to his liking.

4. Just a Tribute

Hit the line hard at Flemington after getting a long way back.  Third up, onto his home track looks ideal.  Can run a race at big odds.

5. Fender Bender

Fender bender resumed at Cranbourne with an eye catching run from back in the field.  He was then backed off the map  at Geelong in a weaker race and disappointed after having a perfect run.  Needs to improve to factor here.

6. Endanger

Lightly raced gelding who won a Cranbourne maiden with ease on debut.  He had a short break and arguably should of won at Moonee Valley when resuming last start – running out of room late. Is one of the main players here.

7. Torbreck

Torbreck was much to good for his rivals at first up at Benalla.  Then was not beaten far at Flemington and finished in the placings.  Ready to peak third up.

8 .Loca

Started single figures in the betting at his most recent run at Moonee Valley but disappointed.  Needs to lift and perhaps in form jockey William Pike can help him do so?

9. Miraitowa

Miratiowa was backed as if unbeatable on debut and went onto get the job done in good fashion.  Looks to have good ability and with natural improvement can figure in the finish here.

10. So Lets Toast

Was a nice debut winner at Sale in June.  Put away and was fair at Benalla when resuming.  His trainer John McCardle mentioned he had good improvement to come before that race.  Consider for multiples.

11. Out to Win

Ticked the maiden off at Kilmore last start proving he could handle soft conditions.  Is big odds but not out of this

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
6. Endanger	9. Miraitowa
9. Miraitowa	4. Just a Tribute
4. Just a Tribute	2. Osamu
2. Osamu	6. Endanger

Group 1 Caulfield Cup 2020 (Caulfield 2400m)

The Everest 2020 (Randwick 1200m)

Group 3 Caulfield Classic 2020 (Caulfield 2000m)

Group 3 Ethereal Stakes 2020 (Caulfield 2000m)