2021 John Dillon Stakes betting preview & best odds
| What | John Dillon Stakes |
| Where | Caulfield Racecourse – Gate 22 Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 |
| When | Tuesday, January 26, 2021 | 4:05pm AEDT | Race 6 |
| Prizemoney | $140,000 |
| Distance | 1400m |
| Status | Listed |
| Race Conditions | Quality handicap |
| 2020 Winner | Morvada – 54kg (8) | Jockey: Zac Spain | Trainer: Peter Jolly |
| Watch Live | |
John Dillion Stakes horse racing preview
The John Dillon Stakes is one of three Listed races set down for decision on Caulfield’s Australia Day card on Tuesday. The 1400m race is worth $140,000 and has attracted a small field of eight including the 2020 winner, Morvada. The favourite for the Listed John Dillon Stakes is the Danny O’Brien-trained Viral at $3.70
Having won the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes on his last start, Never Again looks to be the best bet here. He comes to Caulfield in red-hot form after back-to-back victories which include a win over the Caulfield 1400m on December 26. He beat home Viral that day and was aided with a 3.5kg weight advantage, and despite the 2kg weight swing for this encounter, Clinton McDonald’s gelding still looks hard to beat. Never Again is a galloper who does his best racing when allowed to settle towards the rear of the field and go through the gears. He maps to get that here and will be charging down the outside late.
Viral is favourite to take out the John Dillon Stakes at Caulfield on Tuesday and it is easy to see why. His last-start win at Flemington on January 16 was full of merit as he ground his way to the front throughout the home straight. As mentioned, he would need to overcome a defeat to Never Again when they last met, but he has won over the Caulfield 1400m in the past. Damian Lane has ridden Viral in his past three starts and retains the ride with a weight of 55kg, which is something the horse has not experienced in some time. He maps to settle a bit closer to the leader than our top pick and will prove hard to hold out if he can produce a slick turn of foot.
Blazejowski for trainer Greg Eurell is yet to set the world alight this campaign. His four runs so far have had him finish no better than fifth, although he has been far from disgraced in most of them. He was beaten three lengths in the Chester Manifold Stakes at Flemington on January 9 by our top selection, but his best performance has him right in the conversation here. With rain expected, his wet form alone has him priced better than a $10 chance. He will be up on pace from the wide barrier and should be fighting out the finish.
Best bets for 2021 John Dillon Stakes
| $100 Betting Strategy | |
|---|---|
| $70 win: | Never Again |
| $30 boxed trifecta: | 1,5,6 (500%) |
[rmOC_events_list event_ids=1359822_06]