The final major at Caulfield this Saturday is the Toorak Handicap (1600m) where Another Wil heads the market.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 Toorak Handicap.
2024 Toorak Handicap Speed Map
Waddle your finger here and hope for the best re early speed. Wishlor Lass does look the only proper leader/go forward horse. Pericles is drawn wide so I dare say they go forward, if they run here. Antino can jump clean and settle handy, and Another Wil has settled in the first few in the past.
2024 Toorak Handicap Runner Preview:
1. Desert Lightning: Had the A1 run in transit in the Sandown Stakes, took advantage and was too good. The set up is nowhere near as ideal and for mine, he is really poor in at the weights. Can mark him much longer.
2. Pericles: I think back to the mile is a big tick for him. He tried his guts out in the Underwood but had no answers late for Buckaroo. If he can get across, he’s dangerous for sure.
3. Antino: Antino ran the closest of seconds in this race last year and I dare say he’ll run second again. But, if Another Wil is off, then this guy is here to pick up the pieces given he does bring very strong WFA form, the Makybe Diva and Feehan, which is clearly A1 for this. Back to a handicap, he has to be rated highly.
4. Another Wil: Another Wil is a star and I think will confirm it with a Group l win. He has been stunning in two starts/wins this time in, both coming at this track/distance, with his Testa Rossa win being incredible given he got stood on his head early on in the straight. I think it’s a case of good luck beating him.
5. Light Infantry Man: Plain in the Testa Rossa and can’t have him here.
6. Orchestral: What to make of her…she just got a mile out of her ground at Ellerslie but rocketed late. If there is different form, fresh blood, then she could be it, because we know that she is so dynamic when right.
7. Alsephina: Alsephina is a ripping mare from WA for Team Williams. She won the Stocks at The Valley, aided by a peach from Shinn, who had her tucked in behind the speed before angling clear and she knuckled down with purpose late to win and win well. The gate makes it hard but it’s hard to knock the way she’s racing. But the gate is a turn off.
8. Bank Maur: Had every chance in the Sandown Stakes and this looks a bridge too far.
9. Craig: Barrier beat him in the Sandown Stakes and unfortunately for his fans, he has drawn wide again. I think he’ll get back and charge late, but at best, can finish top four.
10. Jimmy The Bear: Solid effort in the Testa Rossa but this looks a bridge too far for him.
11. Magnaspin: Really liked the way he finished his race off in the Sandown Stakes. Has eyes on The Big Dance but maps to do no work here and be strong late. He looks a massive price and for mine, is slight overs.
12. Osipenko: No prizes finding Another Wil. But, I think the place bet in this race is Osipenko. I reckon there are signs of life for him and his run last time was good at Rosehill. He should have won the Caulfield Guineas a couple of years ago, and take out Another Wil/Antino, the race isn’t deep. I think he can snare a place.
13. Wishlor Lass: Wishlor Lass won on this day last year in the Vase and looks to be ticking along nicely towards another forward showing. She resumed three weeks ago in the Testa Rossa when doing work near the speed and tried hard but first up, condition just gave way late. Fitter and up in trip, good racing style, I can entertain her as an exotic player.
2024 Toorak Handicap $100 Betting Strategy:
$100 Place Osipenko Mid Tote.
Group l Strategy Outlay: $1100
Group l Strategy Return: $865
2024 Toorak Handicap Odds:
