The Australian Spring is the focus of their racing calendar – the summer is generally too hot to keep the better horses in training, and the winter is too cold and wet.  Horses right now are getting fit for the three main goals of the spring:  The $2 million Caufield Cup at a mile and a half, the $3 Million Cox Plate at a mile and a quarter, and the $6 Million Melbourne Cup at two miles.  Horses are racing NOW with their connections having one of those big races in mind (although it is not unheard of that horses run in both the Caufield Cup and the Melbourne Cup).

Caufield – RACE 9A:  ATLANTIC JEWEL is the current belle of the ball – undefeated in nine races, she treated her outclassed opponents with complete disdain in her last start going a mile seven days ago.  The catch is so far her speed figures were two to three lengths better before her long break from April 28th, 2012 and August 31, 2013.  Her trainer knows he has to stretch her out to the Cox Plate distance of a mile and a quarter, and this race appears to be an effort to get her “caught up” on fitness.  Add to the fact that Friday night’s field is loaded with quality, with several Group 1 winners, and this could be the race to try to beat Atlantic Jewel.  She can definitely win but I do not think she deserves to be a heavy favorite.  By Friday afternoon I will post a “Morning Line” on this race and several others from Caufield.

Australian Racing:  Big fields, big purses, big payouts.  Get on!