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Caulfield (VIC) horses tips & previews

One race at a time: field, form guide and win/place odds for Caulfield (VIC), with capture times on every price.

Meeting — Sat 17 Oct, 11:00 am AEDT

Meetings · Sat, 17 OctCaulfield (VIC)Change

Race 1 — Sportsbet Classic 2000m · jumps

Race preview

Welcome to Caulfield for the Sportsbet Classic over 2000m on a good 4 surface under fine skies, where punters are lining up to size up a fascinating Group 3 test for the three-year-olds. Looking at how the win market has shaken out, Russian Rock holds down the shortest quote to kick things off, closely followed by Vallice, Cignetti, and Aragog rounding out the top four in order. With a mix of leaders and off-pace runners stepping out over the staying trip, it is shaping up as a proper tactical puzzle for the yards involved.

Delving into the form of the market principals, Russian Rock for trainer Michael Trotter steps out with Craig Williams in the saddle from barrier 2, having chased home fairly for fifth over 1600m here following a maiden win at Kilmore. Vallice represents the C Maher stable with Mark Zahra steering from gate 7, coming off a solid runner-up effort at Flemington over 1800m where the galloper ran on strongly for the minors, suggesting the 2000m journey will be right up their alley. Cignetti jumps from barrier 1 for the Busuttin and Young team with Blake Shinn aboard, carrying good gate speed after a gutsy minor placing at Flemington on a heavy track.

Further down the order, King Snitz catches the eye from barrier 4 with Damian Lane taking the ride for Shane Jackson, boasting the fastest overall finishing sectionals from the previous start and shaping as a lively contender if the speed maps play out. The early speed group features Cignetti, Aragog, and Skua looking to dictate terms up front, which should test the stamina of the off-pace brigade as they turn for home in what promises to be a cracking yarn on track.

Race notes

  • 3yo,GROUP 3 3Y SW,Group 3,N ROBINSON,Open
  • GOOD4
  • Fine
  • 8 runners

Shortest win price

Russian Rock (6)

2.90

Most career wins

Lepolo

2-0-0 from 3 starts

Speed map

Back left · leaders right

Backmarker

  • 8King Snitz

Midfield

  • 2Vallice
  • 6Russian Rock

Offpace

  • 1Lepolo
  • 7Vantaa

Leader

  • 3Cignetti
  • 4Aragog
  • 5Skua

  • Lepolo · Negative

    Tricky Map

    Runners with this map, underperform market by 8%

  • Vallice · Positive

    Jockey ROI

    Rider outperforming Career Avg POT by 17% in Last 100 Rides

  • Cignetti · Negative

    Trainer Career

    Trainer Career S/R is 12%

  • Aragog · Negative

    Cold J/T Combo

    Combo are under performing market expectations by -21%

No.RunnerBarWgtLast 5WinPlace
1LepoloJ: Harry Coffey·T: T & C Mcevoy557kg1 1 123: 2-0-0$9.00$2.40

Career

3: 2-0-0

Rating · IRD

100

Speed map

Offpace

BackLead

Figures

  • Jockey60%
  • Trainer80%
  • Jockey/Trainer Combo60%
  • Early Speed100%
  • Rating80%
  • Closing Speed20%

Record

  • First-up

    1: 1-0-0

  • Second-up

    1: 1-0-0

  • Third-up

    1: 0-0-0

  • Track Flemington

    1: 0-0-0

  • Track Sandown

    1: 1-0-0

  • Track Ballarat Synthetic

    1: 1-0-0

  • Distance 1500m

    1: 1-0-0

  • Distance 1800m

    1: 0-0-0

  • Distance 1400m

    1: 1-0-0

  • Going Synthetic

    1: 1-0-0

  • Going Heavy

    1: 0-0-0

  • Going Soft

    1: 1-0-0

Last starts

  1. 12Flemington1800m3 Oct 2026 · 3yo · HEAVY835.01L
  2. 1Sandown1500m5 Sept 2026 · 3Y HCP · SOFT7-3.5
  3. 1Ballarat Synthetic1400m6 Aug 2026 · 3Y MDN-SW · SYNTHETIC-3.3

Insights

  • Tricky Map

    Negative

    Runners with this map, underperform market by 8%

  • Slow Early LS

    Negative

    Speed data from recent runs suggests slower early splits on avg

  • Gave ground LS

    Negative

    Faded towards the finish last time out

  • Lightly Raced

    Positive

    Limited race experience but shown potential

  • Blinkers On

    Positive

    Trainer has opted for the Blinkers on, take note

  • Class Rise

    Negative

    Racing in stronger company

  • In Form

    Positive

    Racing in top form recently

Comments

AAP

Sandown-Hillside winner two back. Failed to threaten on a waterlogged track at Flemington latest outing when fancied. Can put last run behind him. Respecting.

ILB

Was $3.70 and tailed off to finish 12th last run at Flemington. Overlooking the last run and good career start. Going well this campaign winning 2 from 3 attempts. Winning potential.

RP

Tailed off at short odds in a Listed race upped to 1m1f at Flemington two weeks ago; winner of two of his three career starts; strong claims if excused most recent run as achieved handicap success two runs back and he can take this step up in class in his stride.

RSIS

Started 11/4 and couldn't maintain the pace when 12th last start at Flemington. Should improve here and showing consistent performance in races. Testing ability against stronger contenders. Will be there at the business end.

2ValliceJ: Mark Zahra·T: C Maher757kg1 4 4 5 26: 1-1-0$4.40$1.45

Career

6: 1-1-0

Rating · IRD

92

Speed map

Midfield

BackLead

Figures

  • Jockey100%
  • Trainer80%
  • Jockey/Trainer Combo60%
  • Early Speed100%
  • Rating80%
  • Closing Speed100%

Record

  • First-up

    1: 0-0-0

  • Second-up

    1: 1-0-0

  • Third-up

    1: 0-0-0

  • Fourth-up

    1: 0-0-0

  • Track Flemington

    1: 0-1-0

  • Track Donald

    1: 0-0-0

  • Track Caulfield

    1: 0-0-0

  • Distance 1200m

    2: 0-0-0

  • Distance 1400m

    3: 1-0-0

  • Distance 1800m

    1: 0-1-0

  • Going Good

    2: 0-0-0

  • Going Heavy

    3: 1-1-0

  • Going Soft

    1: 0-0-0

Last starts

  1. 2Flemington1800m3 Oct 2026 · 3yo · HEAVY82.5L
  2. 5Caulfield1400m19 Sept 2026 · 3yo · GOOD33.35L
  3. 4Sandown1400m22 Aug 2026 · 3Y HCP · HEAVY84.5L
  4. 4Caulfield Heath1200m8 Aug 2026 · 3Y HCP · SOFT60.9L
  5. 1Sandown1400m3 June 2026 · 2Y HCP · HEAVY8-1
  6. 5Donald1200m2 May 2026 · 2Y HCP · GOOD31.2L

Insights

  • Jockey ROI

    Positive

    Rider outperforming Career Avg POT by 17% in Last 100 Rides

  • Fast Early

    Positive

    Sectionals suggest goes hard early

  • Ran On Hard LS

    Positive

    Ran on well last start

  • Awkward Draw

    Negative

    May find this draw awkward

  • Ready To Fire

    Positive

    Shown something in last few runs

  • Class Rise

    Negative

    Racing in stronger company

Comments

AAP

No threat to winner but ran on strongly for the minors at Flemington. Added journey should only assist. Major player.

ILB

Made some ground late when 2nd beaten by 2 1/2L last run at Flemington but matched against a stronger field. Should be in the finish.

RP

On the premises when second of 12 in a Listed race at Flemington 14 days ago upped to 1m1f; he can be taken on with more demanding test in store.

RSIS

Did well to finish 2nd last time at Flemington but stepping up to a higher level. Must be considered here.

3CignettiJ: Blake Shinn·T: T Busuttin & N Young157kg3 5 1 2 35: 1-1-2$6.00$1.85

Career

5: 1-1-2

Rating · IRD

94

Speed map

Leader

BackLead

Figures

  • Jockey40%
  • Trainer40%
  • Jockey/Trainer Combo100%
  • Early Speed100%
  • Rating60%
  • Closing Speed80%

Record

  • First-up

    2: 1-0-1

  • Second-up

    1: 0-1-0

  • Third-up

    1: 0-0-1

  • Track Flemington

    2: 0-0-1

  • Track Pakenham

    1: 0-0-1

  • Track Sale

    1: 1-0-0

  • Distance 1200m

    1: 0-0-1

  • Distance 1400m

    2: 1-0-0

  • Distance 1500m

    1: 0-1-0

  • Going Good

    2: 0-0-1

  • Going Heavy

    1: 0-0-1

  • Going Soft

    2: 1-1-0

Last starts

  1. 3Flemington1800m3 Oct 2026 · 3yo · HEAVY83.25L
  2. 2Sandown1500m5 Sept 2026 · 3Y HCP · SOFT73.5L
  3. 1Sale1400m21 Aug 2026 · MDN-SW · SOFT6-1.8
  4. 5Flemington1400m25 Apr 2026 · 2yo · GOOD34L
  5. 3Pakenham1200m2 Apr 2026 · 2Y MDN-SW · GOOD41.2L

Insights

  • Trainer Career

    Negative

    Trainer Career S/R is 12%

  • Trainer Recent

    Negative

    Stable runners are currently underperforming market by 32%

  • Trainer ROI

    Negative

    Trainers runners currently losing 39% Profit on Turnover

  • Maps Well

    Positive

    Map Position suited at this track, out performing market expectations by 8%

  • Fast Early

    Positive

    Sectionals suggest goes hard early

  • Draw Suits

    Positive

    Well drawn inside

  • Lightly Raced

    Positive

    Limited race experience but shown potential

  • Class Rise

    Negative

    Racing in stronger company

Comments

AAP

Solid rally into the placings on a H10 at Flemington. Good gate speed, soft draw. Looks capable of making an impact.

ILB

Ran on strongly when 3rd beaten by 3 1/4L last time at Flemington and drawn the rails. Has run into the money 3 from 3 attempts this preparation. Capable type.

RP

Fair form when just over 3l third in a Listed race at Flemington upped to 1m1f two weeks ago; yard has been going through a quiet spell; is passed over as this looks tougher than last time.

RSIS

Claimed a spot in the placings when 3rd beaten by 3 1/4L last time at Flemington and has a nice advantage with a good draw. Promising career start. Win will not surprise.

4AragogJ: Lachlan Neindorf·T: Phillip & Tommy Stokes357kg7 1 4 2 55: 1-1-0$7.50$2.20

Career

5: 1-1-0

Rating · IRD

86

Speed map

Leader

BackLead

Figures

  • Jockey40%
  • Trainer60%
  • Jockey/Trainer Combo20%
  • Early Speed100%
  • Rating60%
  • Closing Speed40%

Record

  • First-up

    2: 0-1-0

  • Second-up

    1: 0-0-0

  • Track Flemington

    2: 0-1-0

  • Track Geelong

    1: 1-0-0

  • Track Morphettville

    1: 0-0-0

  • Distance 1000m

    1: 0-0-0

  • Distance 1200m

    1: 0-0-0

  • Distance 1312m

    1: 1-0-0

  • Going Good

    2: 0-1-0

  • Going Heavy

    1: 0-0-0

  • Going Soft

    2: 1-0-0

Last starts

  1. 5Flemington1800m3 Oct 2026 · 3yo · HEAVY84.56L
  2. 2Flemington1400m12 Sept 2026 · 3yo · GOOD30.8L
  3. 4Morphettville1200m25 Apr 2026 · 2yo · GOOD43.5L
  4. 1Geelong1312m10 Apr 2026 · 2Y MDN-SW · SOFT5-0.3
  5. 7Cranbourne1000m27 Mar 2026 · 2Y MDN-SW · SOFT65.1L

Insights

  • Cold J/T Combo

    Negative

    Combo are under performing market expectations by -21%

  • Ideal Map

    Positive

    Map position exceeding market by 3%

  • Early Splits

    Positive

    Has early speed. An advantage on this circuit

  • Class Rise

    Negative

    Racing in stronger company

Comments

AAP

Faded off the lead at Flemington when second-up in the wet. Stripping fitter third-up, has sound claims.

ILB

Odds of $9.00 and was found wanting late when 5th last run at Flemington but taking on stronger competition. Can run into the placings.

RP

Not beaten that far (Flemington) 14 days ago upped to 1m1f in a Listed race; others have more pressing claims given likely tougher test.

RSIS

At 8/1 got tired late when 5th last start at Flemington on a heavy track but matched against a stronger field.

5SkuaJ: Ethan Brown·T: C Maher857kg6 2 3 1 64: 1-1-1$9.00$2.40

Career

4: 1-1-1

Rating · IRD

88

Speed map

Leader

BackLead

Figures

  • Jockey100%
  • Trainer80%
  • Jockey/Trainer Combo100%
  • Early Speed20%
  • Rating40%
  • Closing Speed40%

Record

  • First-up

    2: 0-1-1

  • Second-up

    1: 1-0-0

  • Third-up

    1: 0-0-0

  • Track Flemington

    1: 0-0-0

  • Track Newcastle

    1: 0-1-0

  • Track Seymour

    2: 1-0-1

  • Distance 1300m

    1: 0-1-0

  • Distance 1400m

    1: 0-0-1

  • Distance 1600m

    1: 1-0-0

  • Going Good

    1: 0-1-0

  • Going Heavy

    1: 0-0-0

  • Going Soft

    2: 1-0-1

Last starts

  1. 6Flemington1800m3 Oct 2026 · 3yo · HEAVY84.91L
  2. 1Seymour1600m10 Sept 2026 · 3yo+ · SOFT5-0.8
  3. 3Seymour1400m7 Aug 2026 · 3UP MDN-SW · SOFT70.8L
  4. 2Newcastle1300m6 Mar 2026 · 2Y HCP · GOOD41.1L
  5. 6Randwick1050m19 Feb 2026 · Barrier Trial6.8L
  6. 8Canterbury899m6 Feb 2026 · Barrier Trial4L

Insights

  • Rider SR

    Positive

    Jockey recent POT is 41% better than Career Avg.

  • Key Rider

    Positive

    Ethan Brown 63% above market expected in L100 Rides

  • Key Jockey

    Positive

    Ethan Brown winning at 42% POT in last 100 rides

  • Awkward Draw

    Negative

    May find this draw awkward

  • Lightly Raced

    Positive

    Limited race experience but shown potential

  • Wet To Dry

    Negative

    Coming from a wet to dry (Heavy 8 to Good 4) track may prove difficult

  • Class Rise

    Negative

    Racing in stronger company

Comments

AAP

Handily placed, looked quite one paced when battled to line at Flemington on the heavy. Should appreciate the rise in trip. Each way claims.

ILB

Came in 6th last run at Flemington but honest performer putting a tidy record together. Has plenty of early speed. Amongst the placegetters frequently this preparation. Place claims at best.

RP

Out of the frame (beaten 5l in sixth) at Flemington 14 days ago in a Listed race; facing a tougher assignment than last time, easy enough to take on.

RSIS

Ran 6th last run at Flemington but solid career start. Will be pushing for a forward position early. In fine form since returning from a break.

6Russian RockJ: Craig Williams·T: Michael Trotter257kg3 1 53: 1-0-1$2.90$1.26

Career

3: 1-0-1

Rating · IRD

88

Speed map

Midfield

BackLead

Figures

  • Jockey100%
  • Trainer100%
  • Jockey/Trainer Combo100%
  • Early Speed100%
  • Rating100%
  • Closing Speed80%

Record

  • First-up

    2: 1-0-1

  • Second-up

    1: 0-0-0

  • Track Kilmore

    1: 1-0-0

  • Track Caulfield

    1: 0-0-0

  • Track CurrentTrack

    1: 0-0-0

  • Distance 1450m

    1: 1-0-0

  • Distance 1600m

    1: 0-0-0

  • Distance 1400m

    1: 0-0-1

  • Going Good

    2: 1-0-0

  • Going Soft

    1: 0-0-1

Last starts

  1. 5Caulfield1600m27 Sept 2026 · 3yo · GOOD42.25L
  2. 1Kilmore1450m13 Sept 2026 · 3yo+ · GOOD4-0.8
  3. 3Sandown1400m25 Mar 2026 · 2Y HCP · SOFT51L

Insights

  • Jockey ROI

    Positive

    Rider outperforming Career Avg POT by 15% in Last 100 Rides

  • Hot J/T Combo

    Positive

    Combo are out performing market expectations by 181%

  • Trainer Form

    Positive

    In form stable, out performing market expectations 57%

  • Trainer ROI

    Positive

    Runners from this stable currently going at 37% POT in L100 Runners

  • Ran On Hard LS

    Positive

    Ran on well last start

  • Nice Barrier

    Positive

    Well drawn from gate 2

  • Lightly Raced

    Positive

    Limited race experience but shown potential

  • Well Placed

    Positive

    Drops back to a suitable class

Comments

AAP

Cleared maiden ranks at Kilmore 13 Sep. Gave solid chase in a good effort this track when second-up at wide odds. Craig Williams on. Right in this.

ILB

Overtook some late when 5th last start at this venue and showing consistent performance in races. Gets a favourable alley. Knockout chance.

RP

Respectable effort finishing fifth (beaten just over 2l) last month in a Group 2; this represents an easier task than his previous race.

RSIS

Showed some merit late when 5th last run at this track and drawn nicely. Showing consistent performance in races.

7VantaaJ: Jake Noonan·T: M M Laurie657kg1 2 12: 1-1-0$15.00$3.30

Career

2: 1-1-0

Rating · IRD

80

Speed map

Offpace

BackLead

Figures

  • Jockey60%
  • Trainer100%
  • Jockey/Trainer Combo100%
  • Early Speed20%
  • Rating60%
  • Closing Speed80%

Record

  • First-up

    1: 0-1-0

  • Second-up

    1: 1-0-0

  • Track Mornington

    1: 0-1-0

  • Track Pakenham Synthetic

    1: 1-0-0

  • Distance 1500m

    1: 0-1-0

  • Distance 1600m

    1: 1-0-0

  • Going Good

    2: 1-1-0

Last starts

  1. 1Pakenham Synthetic1600m5 Oct 2026 · 3yo+ · GOOD3-2
  2. 2Mornington1500m17 Sept 2026 · 3yo+ · GOOD40.15L
  3. 1Caulfield Heath1000m14 May 2026 · Barrier Trial · GOOD(4)-0.1

Insights

  • Trainer ROI

    Positive

    Runners from this stable currently going at 11% POT in L100 Runners

  • Tricky Map

    Negative

    Runners with this map, underperform market by 8%

  • Solid Run LS

    Positive

    Won last start

  • Class Rise

    Negative

    Racing in stronger company

Comments

AAP

Came off their backs for a very good win at Pakenham Synthetic. J Noonan on again. Should appreciate stepping up in distance. Right in the mix again.

ILB

Picked up late to win last time at Pakenham Synthetic but up in class. Placed at every start this preparation. Others make far more appeal.

RP

Gained a 2l success at Pakenham over 1m (maiden) when registering his first success at the second time of asking two weeks ago; entitled to respect despite being up in class.

RSIS

Displayed a good turn of foot when winning last start at Pakenham Synthetic but facing a stronger class. Has run into the placings all attempts in recent runs.

8King SnitzJ: Damian Lane·T: Shane Jackson457kg9 3 13: 1-0-1$16.00$3.40

Career

3: 1-0-1

Rating · IRD

78

Speed map

Backmarker

BackLead

Figures

  • Jockey100%
  • Trainer60%
  • Jockey/Trainer Combo20%
  • Early Speed20%
  • Rating60%
  • Closing Speed80%

Record

  • First-up

    1: 0-0-0

  • Second-up

    1: 0-0-1

  • Third-up

    1: 1-0-0

  • Track Geelong

    2: 0-0-1

  • Track Warrnambool

    1: 1-0-0

  • Distance 1347m

    1: 0-0-0

  • Distance 1700m

    1: 0-0-1

  • Distance 2000m

    1: 1-0-0

  • Going Good

    2: 1-0-1

  • Going Soft

    1: 0-0-0

Last starts

  1. 1Warrnambool2000m21 Sept 2026 · 3yo+ · GOOD4-3
  2. 3Geelong1700m11 Sept 2026 · 3yo+ · GOOD41.4L
  3. 9Geelong1347m28 Aug 2026 · 3UP MDN-SW · SOFT75.9L

Insights

  • Fast Finisher

    Positive

    Fastest Overall Finishing Sectionals Last Start

  • Jockey Booking

    Positive

    Damian Lane 21% above market expected in L100 Rides

  • Cold J/T Combo

    Negative

    Combo are losing -100% POT in their L100 Races

  • Tricky Map

    Negative

    Runners with this map, underperform market by 8%

  • Margin LS

    Positive

    Won by a big margin last start

  • Class Rise

    Negative

    Racing in stronger company

Comments

AAP

In touch and put them away smartly at Warrnambool. Capable of figuring.

ILB

Was a comprehensive winner by 3L last start at Warrnambool but facing stiffer opposition. Should muster plenty of early toe. In good order this preparation. Will be tested in this.

RP

Won a maiden by 3l when getting off the mark at the third time of asking (Warrnambool) upped to this trip last month; more on his plate but can't be ruled out.

RSIS

Found another gear when winning by 3L last start at Warrnambool but challenged by a tougher grade. Should come to hand quickly. Showing improvement in recent outings.

9AerostatiqueScratched7––––

Career

2: 0-0-0

Rating · IRD

70

Speed map

Backmarker

BackLead

Figures

  • Jockey40%
  • Trainer80%
  • Jockey/Trainer Combo50%
  • Early Speed50%
  • Rating50%
  • Closing Speed100%

Record

  • First-up

    1: 0-0-0

  • Second-up

    1: 0-0-0

  • Track Ballarat

    1: 0-0-0

  • Track Seymour

    1: 0-0-0

  • Distance 1600m

    1: 0-0-0

  • Distance 2016m

    1: 0-0-0

  • Going Good

    1: 0-0-0

  • Going Soft

    1: 0-0-0

Last starts

  1. 7Ballarat2016m30 Sept 2026 · 3yo+ · GOOD47.85L
  2. 5Seymour1600m10 Sept 2026 · 3yo+ · SOFT53.3L

Insights

  • Winkers On

    Positive

    Important gear change of winkers on

Comments

AAP

Safely held but not totally disgraced (outside alley) at Ballarat. Lacks appeal here.

ILB

Jumped at $10.00 and finished 7th last run at Ballarat and rising in grade. Expected to settle towards the tail.

RP

Found life tough when 8l back in seventh in a maiden at Ballarat last month upped to this distance; this demands more than last time so looks an unlikely winner.

RSIS

Odds of 9/1 and finished 7th last run at Ballarat and up against tougher rivals. Prefers to settle towards the tail.

Odds correct as at . Odds can change.

Past meetings

  • Wed 14 Oct, 11:00 am AEDT · 8 races
  • Sat 10 Oct, 11:00 am AEDT · 10 races
  • Sun 27 Sept, 10:00 am AEST · 9 races
  • Sat 19 Sept, 10:00 am AEST · 10 races