Saturday sees the running of the first Australian Group 1 for 2018, the C.F. Orr S. over 1400m at Caulfield. Black Heart Bart (Aus) (Blackfriars {Aus}) will be back to defend his crown, having won second-up last year before success in the G1 Futurity S. at his next start over Tosen Stardom (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), who he will meet here.
Leaning slightly away from the favoured runners, the Anthony Freedman-trained Mr Sneaky (Aus) (High Chaparral {Ire}) produced an eye-catching effort for second in the G2 Australia S. on Jan. 26 when resuming and stepping up to the 1400m on Saturday should only suit. Interestingly it is the same race and finishing position that last year's Orr winner Black Heart Bart recorded prior to his win. Never out of the places at the distance, and second in the spring at the track and trip in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke S., the 4-year-old has started to mature and although he does have barrier 13 in a field of 14, he often gets back before charging late.
Outstanding in the spring when fresh in the G2 P.B. Lawrence S. at the track and trip, Godolphin's Hartnell (GB) (Authorized {Ire}) has not tasted success since, but a recent barrier trial showed that the James Cummings-trained gelding looks on track for a promising return.
Finishing a length and half behind Hartnell in that trial, Chris Waller's last start G1 Cantala S. winner Shillelagh (NZ) (Savabeel {Aus}) could be a runner that really comes into her own now that she has broken through at the elite level. Never discount a mare in form–isn't that the saying?
Darren Weir's Japanese pair both look ready to run great races here with Tosen Stardom coming into the race first-up off a victory in the G1 Mackinnon S. on Nov. 11, while Brave Smash (Jpn) (Tosen Phantom {Jpn}) is second-up off the back of his weakening effort in the G2 Australia S. behind Thronum (Aus) (Snitzel {Aus}), who also races here.
A surprise winner of the G1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on Oct. 14, the Mick Price-trained Mighty Boss (Aus) (Not A Single Doubt {Aus}) does have fresh form and come Saturday, we will know if the 3-year-old is up to tackling the older horses, or will need to stick to his own age group.
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