San Domenico Stakes

This is always a very tough race to call. Many of these will have improved from their 2YO season in leaps and bounds, whereas others will never manage to fulfil the potential they once displayed.

Snitzel is the $2.80 favourite for this race, a price which just seems way too short for my liking. Although on some occasions he has shown exceptional ability, when the pressure has been on in the really big races (Magic Millions and Slipper) he has failed. That said he has evidently trialled well. Corey Brown rides the colt.

Menmosyne is the horse who has really taken my fancy for this one. She has only managed to win the one start, but has shown exceptional ability on a number of occasions, most notably the Slipper where she missed the start yet still charged home to finish third. She then came second in the Sires Produce to the exceptional Fashions Afield. There is something about this filly that reminds a little bit of Alinghi - maybe because they are both by Encosta De Lago? Either way, with only 52 Kg on her back, she looks every chance to me, and at $4.40 is well worth looking at each way.

Golden Slipper winner Stratum and the smart filly Media also cannot be discounted.

In summary, I would back Mnemosyne each way.

Bletchingly Stakes

Why there is a race at Caulfield named after this horse I don't really know. After all, his only Group victory came in the AJC Galaxy, and I'm not sure he even won anything at Caulfield. Having said that he was an exceptional sire, being the sire of, amongst others, the champion Kingston Town.

First let's look at Regal Roller. This horse is a renowned Caulfield specialist, winning the Liston, the Dubai Racing Club, and the Toorak Handicap there last Spring, as well as the Futurity in the Autumn. Understandably, people want to be on the bandwagon this Spring. In any case, this isn't the race for him. Why?

Two reasons. Firstly, he has a poor first up record. He has won one race from six first up - a $30,000 Open Handicap at Bendigo, with 49 Kg on his back. That is not a misprint. 49 kg.

Secondly, he has a poor record at the distance of 1200m. Indeed, from five starts he has yet to win over the distance. Further, the only win below 1200m was the aforementioned Open Handicap at Bendigo!

As good as he is, looking at those facts you couldn't possibly touch him tomorrow.

Let me write a few more off: Truly Wicked simply does not have the class. How Ghost Party got into the race I have no idea. Roman Arch is a smart galloper - but not here. The track will be too wet for Bomber Bill - likely scratching. Dilly Dally is already out. Hollow Bullet is untested outside three year old filles class - and there is a hell of a difference between the race she won first up year on Australia Day and what she faces here. Nevertheless she is a class galloper and must be rated some chance.

Wildly is not a great horse. However, you have to take account of his heavy track record - three starts for two wins and a second. He also loves Caulfield. Therefore, he has to be in our multiples.

Le Zagaletta seems to come out for this race every year. If any trainer can set a 10 year old horse for one race, year in, year out, it is Lee Freedman. Captain Callow takes the mount, so there is definitely some hope - again, one for out multiples.

This brings us to a grand old campaigner of the turf. Super Elegant has been a top horse, year in, year out, and seems to have almost gotten better with age. His heavy track record is superb, he loves Caulfield, and he comfortably beat many of the same horses here last start. His second up record is outstanding as well. From barrier four, I can't see anything beating him.

So in summary, I would have something on Super Elegant to win, and take the trifecta, Super Elegant to win from Wildly, La Zagaletta, and Hollow Bullet.

Best of luck punters.