Underwood Stakes Race Day Preview & Best Bets – 21/09/2024

in Caulfield 19 Sep 2024

It is Underwood Stakes Race Day at Caulfield on Saturday, with the Group One contest over 1800m being the feature contest on an excellent 10-race card.

Here are our best bets for the afternoon, including a selection in the feature race.

BEST BET: PERICLES

Race 8

Pericles took a big step forward from his opening start of the season when he prevailed at Moonee Valley three weeks ago. He quickened smartly inside the closing 400m when his rider Blake Shinn asked him to quicken. There is likely to be more to come from the five-year-old gelding this season.

James Cummings’ runner did not fare badly on his seasonal reappearance at this course back in August. He was third of 10 runners, but it was clear that the Godolphin-owned horse needed the run to shake off the cobwebs.

This is a strong Group One field, but the son of Street Boss can shine and claim a success at the highest level for his connections in the feature race on Underwood Stakes Race Day. He is the one they all have to beat.

SECOND BEST BET: ANOTHER WIL

Race 5

Another Wil wasted no time getting off the mark for the season when he scored on his first start of the campaign at this course in late August. He finished the 1400m contest powerfully to prevail by a small margin.

Ciaron Maher’s runner has a 100% record at this venue, with two wins coming from two starts. He also has an impressive career record of six victories from his nine races. With an excellent draw in barrier one, he has a great opportunity to improve his strike rate further.

Craig is the biggest danger in this field, as he rarely runs a bad race. However, the younger horse may have to settle for one of the minor honours this time around.#

Best Value: Jenni’s Meadow

Race 4

Jenni’s Meadow enjoyed a step-up in distance to 1600m to score at Flemington on her latest run. It was a career-best performance, and just her second win since she was triumphant on her debut at Moonee Valley last December.

Connections have given the three-year-old filly a little break since her win in early July. That should ensure she returns to the track fresh. She is dropping back down to 1400m, but she is more than comfortable this trip. Expect another big run as she bids to successfully follow up.