Caulfield Stakes head-to-head betting: Hartnell vs. Bonneval

Hartnell vs. Bonneval

THE Caulfield Stakes is one of the featured group one races this Saturday and punters have already identified it as a two-horse race.

The $1 million feature includes ATC Derby winner Jon Snow, Warwick Stakes winner Inference and a host of talented imports, but all the focus is on the rematch of Hartnell vs. Bonneval.

Both champion thoroughbreds have been well-backed with bookmakers and the pressure is firmly on both runners before their main spring carnival targets.

Bonneval was able to beat Hartnell last start in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes, but Hartnell returns to even the score against the New Zealand mare.

It’s going to be a great race so we’ve done the form and provided our best tips for the Caulfield Stakes this Saturday.

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2017 Caulfield Stakes betting

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Hartnell form

Hartnell
Hartnell needs to call upon its champion abilities to turn to the tables on Bonneval in the Caulfield Stakes. Photo: Racing.com

James Cummings lines up Hartnell which is looking to reverse the placings from the Group 1 Underwood Stakes.

The imported seven-year-old is an 11-time winner from 35 starts and it deserves respect despite not winning its last two races, but both runs came with excuses.

It finished second to Humidor in the Makybe Diva Stakes after sitting on the pace at Flemington, but it was left out in the open too early and it had no momentum coming into the straight, so we’re prepared to give that run a pass mark.

It ran as the $2.10 favourite in the Underwood Stakes, but every punter knew it had to be in front of Bonneval in order to win the race. That didn’t happen and giving a younger horse with a better turn-of-foot was a shocking decision from the team.

Hartnell is a grinder which needs to be in front of Bonneval turning for home and if it can get a nice drag into the race, the Caulfield track is going to suit its style.

It also returns to its pet distance of 2000m which will help and despite drifting in the betting from $3.10 to $3.40, Hartnell should be well-backed on race day.

Bonneval form

Bonneval
Bonneval has all the makings to continue its winning streak in the Caulfield Stakes to give co-trainer Murray Baker another Australian feature win. Photo: Bradley Photos

Bonneval is the form runner of the Caulfield Stakes and it could be the next big thing in Australasian racing.

The New Zealand-trained mare is on a lengthy winning streak for Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, which includes wins in the New Zealand and ATC Oaks.

Since its ATC Oaks win at Randwick in April, the four-year-old by Makfi has won the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes and the Group 1 Underwood Stakes last start which indicated its potential at the weight-for-age level.

The best aspect of Bonneval is that it has the ability to show an incredible turn-of-foot over shorter distances that don’t suit it. It’s bred to stay as its Oaks wins suggested and stepping up to the 2000m is only going to help its chances.

Hugh Bowman decided to settle closer to the pace last start which was key at Caulfield on that day, so expect Damian Lane to read how Caulfield is playing earlier in the day and ride it accordingly.

It’s good enough to sit anywhere in the field and sprint in the home straight and it comes as no surprise to see punters backing in the Kiwi mare.

It’s currently at $2.80 which is a fair price for a potential game changer.

Caulfield Stakes tip

Hartnell is be better suited to the conditions of this race as opposed to the Makybe Diva Stakes last start, but as will Bonneval.

For that reason we’re sticking with the classy four-year-old mare which is tearing through the Australian ranks with ease. It was always going to be the best of the New Zealand middle distance types to come to Australia and it’s showing why.

Bonneval is a next level thoroughbred and the $2.80 at Neds.com.au is a value price.

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