Australia’s second most famous Cup race headlines the racing action in Melbourne on Saturday with our insider Caulfield Cup 2024 tips and best bets found below.
We look set for an engrossing edition of the iconic 2400m showdown that has been run and won since 1879.
There are a host of previous Group 1 winners in the mix including recent Underwood Stakes champion Buckaroo and classy mare Deny Knowledge on the quick back-up, plus there are a host of progressive stayers bringing in some intriguing form lines that have fame and fortune in their sights.
The Caulfield Cup is always a thrilling contest that is the first of the spring’s ‘Big Three’ races with the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup to follow in the coming weeks.
Can Buckaroo get the mile and a half and win his first race over further than 1800m?
Or will Chris Waller‘s third win in five years come via the favourite’s stablemate Land Legend drawn the rails off a lead-up The Metropolitan victory in Sydney?
Are we about to crown an international Caulfield Cup champion and third from Japan with the sole raider Warp Speed on his way to the Group 1 $8.56 Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 5?
Or can Warmonger shrug off his recent flat performance and return to the scintillating form that saw him take out the Queensland Derby by over 10 lengths in the winter?
Read on to see the horses we are backing and sacking in Caulfield Race 9 at 5:15pm (AEDT) on Saturday before heading to Ladbrokes.com.au to lock in your selections at the right price.
To Win: #15 Deny Knowledge ($10 at time of publish) – BET NOW
Sticking with a form mare who looks excellent on the quick back-up despite the barrier making her chances a little tougher.
A front runner leading all the way in a Caulfield Cup? Why not?! This Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained Pride Of Dubai seven-year-old was given a bold ride by Mark Zahra second-up in the Group 1 Might And Power (2000m) here last weekend when taking control in the lead and outrunning them all including the odds-on favourite Mr Brightside.
That was a huge effort at weight-for-age and she drops right back in from the 57kg she carried with ease there to just 50.5kg on the Caulfield Cup weights. She will be absolutely airborne under those kilos with Craig Newitt a very nice lightweight champ to have aboard for the ride.
Verry Elleegant (2020) was the last Caulfield Cup winning mare and Deny Knowledge ticks a few of the same boxes.
This Grafton Cup winner was fifth to Buckaroo the run before in the Underwood over the 1800m but will relish the 2400m now.
This is obviously her toughest test to date, but she’s proven at the distance, and we know she can stay.
Barrier 17 is a blow as she’ll need to work to get up in front from there but if she gets out quick and doesn’t use too much energy crossing them, she’ll give them something to chase!
The Danger: #2 Buckaroo ($4.20 at time of publish) – BET NOW
You cannot bet on the Caulfield Cup this year and leave Buckaroo out, you just can’t.
He won the Underwood Stakes in such style two back when putting 3.5 lengths on his closest rival over the 1800m here on the back of a Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes win fresh in Sydney.
This six-year-old son of Fastnet Rock is in peak form, presents rock-hard fit, and represents dual Caulfield Cup winning trainer Waller.
Gets things his way from an ideal barrier eight draw with the ‘Magic Man’ Joao Moreira retaining the ride. The Brazilian hoop has a wonderful record in the Group 1 races down under and has his third straight ride on the horse.
Latest run was a narrow loss in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) just edged out by Via Sistina – the ace mare heading the Melbourne Cup weights this year – at Flemington.
He gets weight relief now down from 58kg to 54.5kg and looks extremely well rated at those kilos.
Needs to answer the distance question but based on what he’s done here and overseas and the form he is in think he’ll run it out and could salute for the punters without surprising.
Each Way: #7 Eliyass ($7 at time of publish) – BET NOW
Eliyass has been near the top of Caulfield Cup betting all spring and continues to deserve a spot in all the Caulfield Cup best bets.
This talented Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained import is putting together a terrific record down under and comes in with confidence despite a blow drawing the extreme outside alley.
Incentivise (2021) was the last Caulfield Cup winner from gate 18 of 18 and this son of Le Harve has support to be the next.
He’s a six-year-old son of Le Harve still lightly raced with Saturday just his 13th start. A very progressive type and already a nine-time winner.
Yet to do it over further than 2000m but he won the Group 3 Kingston Town in Sydney two back which is proving a strong form race this season and think he’ll be better off the Turnbull run up to the mile and a half.
Definitely one to watch out for!
The Roughie: #10 Duke De Sessa ($18 at time of publish) – BET NOW
The price on this Ciaron Maher-trained galloper is attractive for a bit of a flutter and the word could be getting out with a slight move seeing him backed in from $21 to $18 at time of publish.
There’s a host of ‘next best’ in this field but think Harry Coffey’s mount ticks a few boxes in on just 52kg and drawn well in gate six.
The Irish-bred six-year-old needs to shrug his Caulfield hoodoo yet to win from six previous starts at the course but he brings in those form lines we’re all loving with back-to-back fourths in the Underwood and Turnbull respectively.
Was competitive in those lead-ups and unlike the top fancy Buckaroo is proven at the Caulfield Cup distance (4:2-0-1).
Wider out in gate 14 with a kilo more last year running ninth.
Good in plenty since and think he’s a better top three hope this season.
Caulfield Cup 2024 Odds
| Runner Details | Win | Place |
|---|---|---|
|
1. Kalapour (4)
J: Ben Melham 55kg
T: Kris Lees |
||
| At the latest run 6th of 8 at this track in the G1 Caulfield Stks on October 12 over 2000m, 9 len behind Deny Knowledge carrying 59kg at $41. The race before that 8th of 16 at Randwick in the G3 King Town on September 21 over 2000m, 9 len behind Eliyass with 58kg at $51. Happy to oppose. | ||
|
2. Buckaroo (8)
J: Joao Moreira 54.5kg
T: Chris Waller |
||
| Form hard to fault. Last start 2nd of 16 at Flemington in the G1 Turnbull on October 5 over 2000m, on a slow track; head behind Via Sistina carrying 58kg at $6.50. The race before that scored a big 3.5 len win at this track G1 Underwood September 21 over 1800m defeating Huetor carrying 59kg at $9. Last two runs stack up very well here, the one to beat. | ||
|
3. Circle Of Fire (13)
J: John Allen 54.5kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up ran last of 8 at Flemington in the G1 Makybe Diva on September 14 over 1600m, on rain affected going; 21 len behind Mr Brightside carrying 59kg at $41. Second-up 9th of 16 at Flemington in the G1 Turnbull on October 5 over 2000m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Via Sistina carrying 58kg at $81. Okay last time but Flemington will be his go. | ||
|
4. Warp Speed (19)
J: Akira Sugawara 54.5kg
T: N Takagi |
||
| Back from a spell. Finished off last campaign fifth of 17 at Kyoto in the G1 Tenno Sho April 28 over 3200m, 4.5 len behind T O Royal with 58.0kg at $39.80. First up last campaign third of 10 at Tokyo in the G3 Diamond Stks February 17 over 3400m, 1.5 len behind T O Royal with 56.0kg at $5. Dour Japanese stayer who will be better suited over 3200m. | ||
|
5. Huetor (7)
J: Luke Currie 54kg
T: Peter Snowden |
||
| Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming came home strongly from last on the turn; 2nd of 12 at this track in the G1 Underwood on September 21 over 1800m, 3.5 len behind Buckaroo carrying 59kg at $61. Last start eased back early on 12th of 16 at Flemington in the G1 Turnbull on October 5 over 2000m, on a slow track; 9 len behind Via Sistina with 56kg at $26. Some chance on the fresh run but happy to risk. | ||
|
6. Warmonger (16)
J: Michael Dee 53.5kg
T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr |
||
| Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up 4th of 8 at Flemington in the G1 Makybe Diva on September 14 over 1600m, on a wet track; 5.5 len behind Mr Brightside with 58.5kg at $26. Second run from a spell 11th of 16 at Flemington in the G1 Turnbull on October 5 over 2000m, on a slow track; 7 len behind Via Sistina carrying 57kg at $13. Up in trip and any rain greatly boost his chances. | ||
|
7. Eliyass (21)
J: Tim Clark 53kg
T: G Waterhouse & A Bott |
||
| Form hard to fault. At the latest run tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 3rd of 16 at Flemington in the G1 Turnbull on October 5 over 2000m, on a slow track; 1.75 len behind Via Sistina carrying 56.5kg at $3.30. Before that favourite; tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by a long-neck at Randwick G3 King Town September 21 over 2000m defeating Ceolwulf with 56kg at $4. Tried hard in the Turnbull and fancy he's still on the up. | ||
|
8. Land Legend (1)
J: Zac Purton 53kg
T: Chris Waller |
||
| Useful gelding. Most recently won by a nose at Randwick G1 The Metrop October 5 over 2400m defeating Zardozi with 51kg at $7.50. Before that 6th of 16 at Randwick in the G3 King Town on September 21 over 2000m, 5 len behind Eliyass carrying 55kg at $17. Up in weight here but gets Purton on and will take beating. | ||
|
9. Young Werther (10)
J: Jye McNeil 52.5kg
T: Danny O'Brien |
||
| Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. Resuming tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 0.8 len at this track Qlty August 31 over 2000m defeating Duke De Sessa with 61kg at $4. Last start 5th of 16 at Flemington in the G1 Turnbull on October 5 over 2000m, on a slow track; 2.5 len behind Via Sistina with 55kg at $13. Going well, not sure he quite has the class. | ||
|
10. Duke De Sessa (6)
J: Harry Coffey 52kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
||
| Racing well. At the latest run 4th of 16 at Flemington in the G1 Turnbull on October 5 over 2000m, slow going 2 len behind Via Sistina carrying 55kg at $13. The race before that 4th of 12 at this track in the G1 Underwood on September 21 over 1800m, 5 len behind Buckaroo carrying 59kg at $15. Going well, wouldn't shock. | ||
|
11. Knight's Choice (14)
J: Robbie Dolan 51.5kg
T: J G Symons & S Laxon |
||
| Third-up today and placed third-up previously. Resuming 9th of 12 at this track in the G1 Underwood on September 21 over 1800m, 7 len behind Buckaroo carrying 59kg at $21. Last start ran last of 16 at Flemington in the G1 Turnbull on October 5 over 2000m, slow going 12 len behind Via Sistina carrying 55kg at $101. Not good enough. | ||
|
12. Muramasa (5)
J: Daniel Moor 51kg
T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young |
||
| Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming came from midfield; 2nd of 10 at Moonee Valley So You Think on September 7 over 1500m, 2.5 len behind Pericles with 58.5kg at $26. Last start sat on the pace when 3rd of 12 at Sandown-Hillside Hcp on September 28 over 1800m, long-neck behind Berkeley Square carrying 60kg at $6.50. Ready to peak and has plenty of ability on his day. | ||
|
13. Zardozi (12)
J: Andrea Atzeni 51kg
T: James Cummings |
||
| At the latest run made some head-way from midfield; 2nd of 17 at Randwick in the G1 The Metrop on October 5 over 2400m, nose behind Land Legend carrying 52kg at $7. Before that 5th of 16 at Randwick in the G3 King Town on September 21 over 2000m, 4 len behind Eliyass carrying 56kg at $12. Close to a win. Excellent last time, drops in weight, rates highly. | ||
|
14. Coco Sun (20)
J: Karis Teetan 50.5kg
T: T & C McEvoy |
||
| Last start 5th of 8 at this track in the G1 Caulfield Stks on October 12 over 2000m, 6 len behind Deny Knowledge with 56kg at $12. Before that eased back early on 6th of 12 at this track in the G1 Underwood on September 21 over 1800m, 5.5 len behind Buckaroo carrying 56kg at $8.50. Don't think she's shown enough. | ||
|
15. Deny Knowledge (17)
J: Craig Newitt 50.5kg
T: A & S Freedman |
||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming 5th of 12 at this track in the G1 Underwood on September 21 over 1800m, 5 len behind Buckaroo with 57kg at $17. Second-up won by 0.8 len at this track G1 Caulfield Stks October 12 over 2000m defeating Mr Brightside with 57kg at $8.50. Gets in beautifully off the last start win, will give a huge sight. | ||
|
16. Valiant King (18)
J: Teodore Nugent 50.5kg
T: Chris Waller |
||
| Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up ran last of 16 at Randwick in the G3 King Town on September 21 over 2000m, 13 len behind Eliyass carrying 55kg at $26. Second run from a spell 10th of 16 at Flemington in the G1 Turnbull on October 5 over 2000m, slow going 6 len behind Via Sistina with 55kg at $101. Hasn't fired in two runs but he could be an improver at blowout odds. | ||
|
17. Positivity (9)
J: Winona Costin 50kg
T: Andrew Forsman |
||
| Most recently settled back and ran on when 7th of 13 at Flemington in the G3 Bart Cummings on October 5 over 2520m, on a slow track; 2.5 len behind Just Fine with 54.5kg at $14. The start before that won by a head at this track G3 Naturalism September 21 over 2000m defeating Future History carrying 54kg at $16. Don't think she brings the right form. | ||
|
18. Sayedaty Sadaty (2)
J: Ben Thompson 50kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
||
| Back from a spell. Finished off last preparation second last in a small field at Goodwood in the G3 Gordon Stks August 1 over 2414m, 4 len behind Jan Brueghel carrying 58.5kg at $12. When resuming last campaign second of 8 at Newcastle All Weather in the LR Burradon Stakes March 29 over 1609m, a neck behind Cuban Tiger carrying 59kg at $7. Creates interest but happy to oppose. | ||
|
19. Fancy Man (3)
J: Ron Stewart 50kg
T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald |
||
| Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming 5th of 15 at this track in the G3 Naturalism on September 21 over 2000m, 2.75 len behind Positivity carrying 55.5kg at $67. Second run from a spell came from midfield; 3rd of 15 at this track in the G2 Herbert Power on October 12 over 2400m, 2.25 len behind Herman Hesse carrying 55.5kg at $9. Okay last week, rough exotics hope. | ||
|
20. Berkshire Breeze (15)
J: Unknown 50kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
||
| Last start 4th of 13 at Flemington in the G3 Bart Cummings on October 5 over 2520m, on a slow track; 1.75 len behind Just Fine with 54kg at $3.50. The run before that 3rd of 9 at Flemington in the G3 Archer Stks on September 14 over 2500m, on heavy track; 1.75 len behind Point King carrying 54kg at $3.30. Doubt he gets a run but doesn't look up to this. | ||
|
21. Francesco Guardi (11)
J: Unknown 52kg
T: Chris Waller |
||
| At the latest run 7th of 16 at Flemington in the G1 Turnbull on October 5 over 2000m, on a slow track; 4 len behind Via Sistina with 55kg at $61. The run before that 9th of 15 at this track in the G3 Naturalism on September 21 over 2000m, 3.5 len behind Positivity with 58kg at $21. Can be hitting the line. | ||
Data retrieved: 18/10/2024 09:38 AM (Australia/Brisbane)
All 2024 Caulfield Cup odds are provided by Ladbrokes.com.au, correct at time of publication, and subject to change without notice.
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Race comments
The Caulfield Cup. BUCKAROO (2) clearly on top. His last two starts have been outstanding, bolting in with the Underwood Stakes here over 1800m before heading Via Sistina in the Turnbull before that mare, who is one of the best in the country, just edged him. He's been strong late so the rise to 2400m shouldn't pose an issue and he gets in well at the compressed weights. ZARDOZI (13) took a few runs to get going but clearly improved in The Metropolitan last time, beaten a nose and arguably a touch stiff not to win on protest. For that, she gets in beautifully with 51kg and her 2400m+ form is very good. DENY KNOWLEDGE (15) is the 'weights horse' dropping back from WFA last week when beating Mr Brightside. 2400m and much more pressure here, but she's a huge chance. ELIYASS (7) is very progressive and the market loved him in the Turnbull. Very wary. MURAMASA (12) the best at longer odds.