Alligator Blood vaults into Underwood Stakes favouritism
The Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) has attracted an outstanding 16-horse field for Saturday’s $750,000 feature at Caulfield.
The Underwood Stakes is usually considered a precursor to many of the key races during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, including the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) and Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m).
Pre-barrier draw, Without A Fight held clear favouritism with online bookmakers; however, it’s now the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Alligator Blood holding the call at +250 after his second-place finish behind Mr Brightside in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) last weekend.
Without A Fight is still hot on his heels at +400 as he makes his return after demolishing his opposition in The Q22 (2200m) at Eagle Farm on June 10.
The Q22 – Without A Fight – T: Anthony & Sam Freedman
Two of the leading chances come through the Group 3 Feehan Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley with Attrition (+700) and Tuvalu (+800) looking to rectify their minor placings.
The Chris Waller-trained stayer Soulcombe (+900) is the only last-start winner heading into the weekend, having taken out the Listed Heatherlie Handicap (1700m) in stylish fashion, while Lindermann (+1200) makes the trip south from Sydney after holding ground in the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Randwick last time out.
Two more fascinating runners make their way from NSW, with multiple Group 1 winners Mo’unga (+3300) and Duais (+1800) needing to make bold improvement getting to the 1800m for the first time in the campaign.
Many of the gallopers engaged here will be using this as a prep run for later in the spring.
This includes the 2019 Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare (+12500) making his return to the track, while Lunar Flare (+4000) has already booked her ticket for the first Tuesday in November.
The 2023 Underwood Stakes is the penultimate race on the Caulfield card this Saturday and is scheduled for 4:55pm AEST.
Underwood Stakes 2023 field
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