Toorak Handicap Preview & Best Bets
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18+ T&C’s Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
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Race six of a jam-packed opening day of the Spring Racing Carnival at Caulfield is the Toorak Handicap, with connections hoping to land Group 1 glory – not to mention the $1 million AUD purse for the winner.
Handicap races can be a minefield for punters to navigate, but here’s some key pointers ahead of the 1600m renewal.
Best Bet: Evaporate @ $6.00 with Ladbrokes
Although not an exact science, four-year-olds have a habit of running well in the Toorak Handicap. Often nicely treated by the handicapper, they can go very close if producing something akin to their career best outing.
Of those aged four in the field this year, Evaporate is the one that has captured the most attention.
He finished less than three lengths behind Private Eye in the PB Lawrence Stakes while only giving away 1lb in weight, which was a strong performance in only his second start at Caulfield.
The fact that Evaporate was able to frank that form next time out in the Sandown Stakes, defeating the respected Transatlantic, only adds to the good vibes in the camp of training team Ben, Will and JD Hayes.
They picked up three winners in September for a useful strike rate of 14%, so their form – and that of Evaporate – suggests that he can kick on and take another step up in class in the Toorak Handicap… if suitably treated by the handicapper, of course.
Next Best: Feroce @ $14.00 with Ladbrokes
As a Group 1 handicap renewal held at Caulfield, it’s no shock that the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes has been an excellent precursor to success in the Toorak Handicap just a matter of weeks later.
The current market principle for the 2025 Toorak, Sepals, prevailed over the 1400m distance back in September, but he was treading water towards the line and so preference should perhaps lie elsewhere.
Miss Roumbini stormed to the tape like a runaway train in second place, but mares don’t have a particularly strong record in the Toorak Handicap – often finding their weighting to be a little too much to bear over 1600m.
Flying under the radar is Feroce, who finished third in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes while hauling 4kg more than the two horses in front of him.
Dominic Sutton’s charge has been lightly raced, with just one prep outing prior to the Sir Rupert Clarke, but anyone that can recall the Australian Guineas back in March will know that Feroce is capable of winning over course and distance in Group 1 company.
His sire, Super Seth, was an electric Group 1 winner in his own right, while Sutton’s yard picked up some good wins in September – everything seems to be trending towards a strong Feroce run in the Toorak Handicap.
Our view & suggestions
If I were to pick a top 3 from this list:
- Evaporate — solid form, and could upset if conditions suit.
- Lazzura — has momentum and the barrier draw helps.
- Feroce – Will need avery good run and possibly some luck in the draw or the run of the race.
Looking for the best Bookmakers to bet on The Toorak Handicap?
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