Horse Racing Tips for Caulfield Cup 2024

The Spring Carnival hits its stride this weekend with Caulfield Cup Day in Melbourne coinciding with Everest Day in Sydney.

While the $20 million Everest at Randwick grabs most of the attention, the time-honoured Caulfield Cup is equally significant from a betting perspective.

This 2400m contest offers plenty of value, and finding the winner could set you up for the rest of Spring.

After successful bets on Deny Knowledge and Antino last week, I’m looking to land another winner in this year’s Caulfield Cup.

 

 

Track Conditions:

The track is currently rated a Good 4, but with heavy rain forecasted on Friday, it’s likely to be a Heavy 8 early on Saturday, potentially improving to a Soft 7 by the time the Cup is run.

With the rail out 3m, all runners should get their chance and the track shouldn't favour leaders like it did on Guineas Day.

Given the uncertainty around the track rating, it’s wise to be cautious about placing bets before Saturday.

 

See who the All-In boys like in the Caulfield Cup

 

Caulfield Race 9 Caulfield Cup 2400m

The Map

The speed map is intriguing, with Eliyass (21) and Deny Knowledge (17) likely pressing forward from wide gates to take up prominent positions.

UK import Sayedaty Sadaty (2) should roll towards the front from an inside draw, while Duke De Sessa (6) and Young Werther (10) will also push forward.

Land Legend (1) may need luck from the inside barrier to find a spot around midfield, while Zardozi (12) is well-drawn to settle just better than midfield with cover.

Key contenders like Buckaroo (8) and Warmonger (16) will settle towards the rear, with the latter further back, while Japanese raider Warp Speed (19) will also drop back.

 

The Favourite – Buckaroo $4.20

Buckaroo justifies favouritism based on his consistent form this preparation, including a dominant 3.5-length win in the Underwood Stakes and a narrow second in the Turnbull Stakes.

The Turnbull has been a reliable lead-up race to the Caulfield Cup, and he and Via Sistina gapped the rest of the field last start.

However, he’s only attempted 2400m once before and with that query, I’m prepared to look elsewhere for the win.

He remains a solid top-three contender.

 

Buckaroo with a morning gallop before racing this Weekend. 

 

Tips

1st – Warmonger ($13.00)

While Warmonger’s last run in the Makybe Diva Stakes was below par, he has a history of reaching a new level when stepping up to 2400m.

His 10-length demolition in the Queensland Derby remains one of the most impressive staying performances seen in recent years.

Though this is a tougher test, the time he ran in that race suggests he’s more than capable of winning here.

Four-year-olds have a strong record in the Caulfield Cup (14 of the last 30 winners), and the predicted wet conditions should suit those coming wide from the back.

With his peak run expected third-up, Warmonger is my top pick.

 

2nd – Zardozi ($7.00)

After a lacklustre start to her campaign, Zardozi bounced back to form with a close second in the Metropolitan.

She has a great record on wet tracks (4 wins from 6 on Soft, 1 from 1 on Heavy), making her well-suited to the conditions.

Though mares don’t have the best recent record in this race, Zardozi fits the 4-year-old profile and has the right form to give this a strong shake.

 

3rd – Buckaroo ($4.20)

While there’s a question mark over his ability to stay the 2400m, Buckaroo brings the best form in the race and should get a perfect run.

If he handles the distance, he’ll be right in the finish, but his current price doesn’t offer enough certainty in a race of this nature.

 

4th – Warp Speed ($23.00)

The Japanese raider is a bit of a wildcard, and while he lacks the credentials of previous successful imports like Mer De Glace (2019 winner), this year’s Caulfield Cup field isn’t as strong.

The wet track could be a disadvantage so I wouldn’t suggest a bet early, but he has the potential to surprise and run a bold race if he gets the right conditions.

 

For thousands more tips including free selections for today's racing, head to Australia's best racing tips market at thegreattipoff.com.