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Toorak Handicap Tips - Runner-by-Runner Guide for the Caulfield Group 1

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Last updated: 09 Oct 2024
Joshua Bell 09 Oct 2024
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  • The Toorak Handicap is a Group 1 race at Caulfield for middle-distance horses
  • Desert Lightning, Pericles, and Alsephina are top selections for the race
  • Betting tips highlight Desert Lightning as the leading contender
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Desert Lightning
Desert Lightning (Getty Images)

Run over 1600m at Caulfield racecourse, the Group 1 Toorak Handicap is a pivotal race for middle distance horses during the spring run under handicap conditions.

The race was first run in 1881 and has been won by some excellent horses including Tobin Bronze (1967), Gunsynd (1971) and more recently More Joyous (2010).

It is always a really good betting race if you can find the winner and we have helped you by going over every runner below.

1.Desert Lightning (11)


The former Kiwi broke through for his maiden Group 1 win at Trentham at the end of last year and made his Australian racing debut in the All-Star Mile where he finished ninth.

He was transferred to the hands of Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman and took out the Group 3 Sandown Stakes second up at Caulfield.

Is being asked to carry the top weight but is racing well.

2.Pericles (13)


Dropped back in grade at The Valley two back and couldn’t have been more dominant scoring by 2.5 lengths over 1500m.

Has had nine goes at Group 1 level and placed four times including a third in the Underwood Stakes last start which has proven a good form reference.

Is better suited under handicap conditions and drops 2.5kgs on his last effort.

3.Antino (8)


Has been far from disgraced up against the likes of Pride of Jenni and Mr Brightside at his last couple and is another that is better suited in handicap races in my opinion.

Has won 10 times from 20 race starts but has been a while in between wins.

4.Another Wil (1)


There may not be a more progressive horse in the country and the way he has been winning has been exciting for all concerns albeit at a lower grade.

Finished 2.4 lengths off the winner in his only start in Group 1 company and he will require the speed to be on to show his sharp turn of foot at the end of the race.

5.Light Infantry Man (5)


Has placed five times from eight starts at Group 1 level but is yet to place in four Australian starts.

Drawn to get a nice run in transit but would need to improve to be any chance.

6.Orchestral (6)


A dominant win in the New Zealand Derby earned her a trip over the ditch and she started a short price in the Vinery Stud Stakes where she saluted.

Was caught late in the Australian Oaks won by Autumn Angel but her first up run in New Zealand over 1400m was excellent.

7.Alsephina (10)


Won nine of her first 11 career race starts in Western Australia and finished second in the Group 1 Railway Stakes over 1600m.

Raced three wide in the Let’s Elope but managed to place and then broke through with a win at her last start in the Group 2 Stocks Stakes against her own sex.

This is another step up but she’s proven capable of producing a high rating on her day.

8.Bank Maur (4)


Just three wins from 25 career starts and the last time he was first past the post was in March of 2023.

Drawn well but prefer others.

9.Craig (12)


Another progressive type who gets thrown into a Group 1 handicap seemingly at the right time.

Has residual fitness from a winter campaign and won here at Caulfield by 2.3 lengths in a benchmark 78 two starts back.

Is another that will requires the speed on up front but you know he’ll be storming home late.

10.Jimmy The Bear (7)


Won the Mildura Cup back in July and has been racing well ever since.

Fitness will not be a concern but natural ability may be.

11.Magnaspin (2)


Two of his five career wins have been on a heavy surface so the team will be praying for rain.

Placed behind Desert Lightning at Sandown last start but meets that horse 2kg worse at the weights.

12.Osipenko (3)


Has shown enough natural ability to be competitive in a race of this quality with a light weight but those efforts have been few and far between.

Made up plenty of ground late in the Group 2 Shannon Stakes last start and is ready to peak at this stage of his campaign.

13.Wishlor Lass (9)


Has won exactly half of her 12 career race starts including two at Group 3 level.

Finished second to Another Wil at Listed level first up but meets that horse worse at the weight scale.

Verdict

SELECTIONS

1st: No. 1 Desert Lightning
2nd: No. 2 Pericles
3rd: No. 7 Alsephina
4th: No. 4 Another Wil

Best Bet1: Desert Lightning Each-Way @3/1 at Tradiebet - 3 Units
Desert Lightning
Each-Way
@3/1 - 3 Units
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