Eleven runners have been confirmed in the final field for Saturday’s 2016 Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield; a race that represents terrific value from a betting standpoint and plenty of opportunities to place winning wagers.
Hucklebuck is the Races.com.au tip to win Saturday’s Group 1 Futurity Stakes at Caulfield. Photo: Sarah Ebbett
Turn Me Loose is yet to herald much interest in Futurity Stakes betting markets at Ladbrokes.com.au but remains clear $3.20 favourite ahead of last start winner Suavito ($5.50) and Hucklebuck ($6).
Will Turn Me Loose justify favouritism and win the 2016 Futurity Stakes or will one of his talented rivals find the line in the clear?
1st
Hucklebuck ($6)
Group 1 winner Hucklebuck has returned to racing in slick form this time and will leave from the ideal barrier 4 in the Futurity Stakes. Capping a standout 2014 campaign with success in the Group 1 Emirates Stakes (1600m), Hucklebuck missed almost all of the 2015 Australian racing calendar through injury but resumed this year for a credible fourth in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) in January. Having savaged the line for third from the wide and awkward barrier 18 in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) a fortnight ago, the Elvstroem gelding is more than worth consideration for a bet at current Futurity Stakes odds.
2nd
Turn Me Loose ($3.20)
Turn Me Loose has been a strong and consistent performer for Murray Baker since first appearing on course in 2014; posting an impressive six wins and four minors through 12 competitive starts. While charged with overcoming the somewhat wide barrier 9, the Iffraaj entire is sure to have taken plenty of benefit from a first-up run for fourth in the CF Orr Stakes and will be partnered by regular hoop Opie Bosson. A proven performer at the class and distance, Turn Me Loose won three of four starts in Australia through the recent Spring Carnival including both the Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m) and the Emirates Stakes. The soft pace likely to be held in the Futurity Stakes will suit Turn Me Loose to the ground.
3rd
Politeness ($8.50)
Popular mare Politeness has found career-best form through the last couple of seasons and will be tough to stop from the rails in the 2016 Futurity Stakes. Resuming in spring for success in the Group 3 How Now Stakes (1200m) on September 19th, the Street Sense mare repeated the dose in the Group 3 Cape Grim Beef Stakes (1200m) before breaking through for a win at the highest level in the Group 1 Myer Classic (1600m). Returning to the paddock after finishing a close second to Turn Me Loose in the Emirates Stakes, Politeness received an ideal tune-up when second in the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes (1100m) a fortnight ago and will relish a step-up to 1400m in the Futurity Stakes.
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