3 minute read
The winds have been up in Melbourne over the past couple of Saturday's and it may pay not to take the form on face value when assessing Caulfield this weekend.
Two weeks ago at Caulfield the wind saw some quirky times/results come from the sprint races from the chute.
Horses such as Toothless, Lionhearted and the well-supported Japhils pressed on into the wind and came unstuck, running well below their form and market expectation.
The sixth on that card, won by Divine Mr Artie, is a key form reference to race seven this Saturday with the first six home lining up to take each other on again. The winner is a nice horse, well up to the standard required at this level, but a straight read of the form still seems dangerous.
Bassett was well supported there, starting 5/2, but was caught wide early and was left with little option but to press on into the breeze. Given that, his effort to be beaten under two lengths was full of merit.
A softer draw should afford him a favourable run on-speed this Saturday and an improved return can be expected. Basset has probably been a touch disappointing this campaign after showing plenty in the spring, and we don't want to get caught up trying to bet a horse back into form, but early prices around $5.00 is fairly generous under the circumstance.
A good each way play comes up later on the card with the Darren Weir-trained Refulgent looking well placed up tot he mile.
He didn't offer much first up from a break but he improved quickly for the outing, returning to his best form when chasing home Charmed Harmony in a high pressure race, and he's proven to be the sort of horse that holds his form once he finds it.
Refulgent looks in for another strong winter campaign and he should be right around the mark at Caulfield this Saturday.
THE MELBOURNE MAIL
Bet Of The Day: Race 7 #1 Basset @ $5.00
Each Way Play: Race 9 #11 Refulgent @ $6.50
