A strong field has been assembled for the Underwood Stakes (1800m) this Saturday at Caulfield with eyes towards bigger races on the cards for most runners engaged.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 Underwood Stakes.
2024 Underwood Stakes Speed Map
Interesting speed map here. They rode Buckaroo with intent in the Chelmsford and he got the win, just. Deny Knowledge is first up but is known to rock and roll on speed. Bois D’Argent is another that resumes but can press forward. Munhamek could hold a decent spot from the inside gate. Tricky map to sort out IMO.
2024 Underwood Stakes Runner Preview:
1. Vow And Declare: Didn’t do a bad job first up behind Young Werther but he’s not here to play IMO and has eyes on longer races down the track.
2. Pericles: More often than not to start the season, when I have taken on a horse hard in a Group l, they have ended up winning, so with that, Pericles will win. But, I cannot work out why he is favourite. The So You Think, on paper, looked terrible, he got the dream run and was much too good, but I think flattered. Tricky draw, the end of 1800m is a query…keen to oppose him.
3. Munhamek: Got too far back in the So You Think but he wasn’t too bad late in making up ground. Maps to settle much closer in the run, he’ll do no work…thought he’d go up $51+ but $20/thereabouts is rock bottom.
4. Huetor: Gee he looks a big price. I loved his trial at Randwick. He was held on the line, but Tommy barely sneezed on him and gee he moved nicely in the straight. He goes well fresh, he’ll be strong late and has residual fitness from Brisbane. Only runs well IMO.
5. Kovalica: Kovalica looks to have returned really well. Great effort in the Tramway a fortnight back, getting off the speed and while he was never really a winning threat, I loved the way he closed the race off in defeat behind Royal Patronage. Fitter and up in trip, he only runs well.
6. Bois D’Argent: Doomben Cup winner who came of age in the Brisbane Winter. That form time and time again stands up during the Spring, but the trials suggest he’s not here to play so he goes through to the keeper.
7. Fawkner Park: Fawkner Park has eyes on only one race, the Caulfield Cup, but he is a very good horse on the up for the Neasham/Archibald camp. He hasn’t raced since an unbelievable Autumn/Winter, firstly winning the Wagga Cup but went to a new level, with his win in The Q22 being so damn arrogant. Better suited over further and although he may need the run, he has quality.
8. Buckaroo: Buckaroo is a knockout hope. He won the Chelmsford two weeks back at Randwick, and yes, just fending off Hinged isn’t a glowing endorsement, but he did run well fresh in the Winx Stakes and connections would be desperate to win a Group l. Not sure he is good enough to win here, but is one to be included in wider exotics.
9. Knight’s Choice: He’s done some great things for me, notably the Winx Stakes. Good on connections for having a shot at the title for the Spring and seeing how he’ll measure up…but for mine, he won’t and is a deserving outsider.
10. Duke De Sessa: Led three weeks ago over 2000m here and tried hard but was nabbed late by Young Werther, who wouldn’t look out of place here as a chance. Right racing style it seems, he’s got the 2000m run so he’ll be strong…just hasn’t won in a looooong time.
11. Place Du Carrousel: IMO, it could be a case of good luck beating Place Du Carrousel. Star mare for Team Freedman that resumes, having not raced since the Autumn where she took on the best of the best and ran really well. Been given a good break, her trial at Cranbourne was strong but her jumpout last week at Mornington, gee it was sharp. She looks ready for a Group l win and for mine, there is clear intent here.
12. Deny Knowledge: Iron mare who was a strong winner of the Grafton Cup and spelled soon after. Trial work has been encouraging, but I just don’t think she’s good enough to beat this lot.
13. Coco Sun: Think she is slight overs. Did more than enough three weeks ago behind Another Wil with the big weight and in a race shape not really run to suit. Fitter and up in trip, weight relief and J Kah back on, I think she can settle near the speed and be there to strike and loom.
2024 Underwood Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
Chips in. $100 Win Place Du Carrousel (Best of the Best via Topsport)
Group l Strategy Outlay: $400
Group l Strategy Return: $0
2024 Underwood Stakes Odds:
