The CF Orr Stakes over 1400m is the usual starting point for the serious Group 1 contenders for the Autumn races in Melbourne and Sydney however it is often a headache race for punters due to the unknown fitness levels of the key players.Although a win would not totally surprise I am happy to risk Viewed, Zipping and Shocking for the win position simply because they have bigger fish to catch around Australian Cup (Flemington) and BMW Stakes (Randwick) time with a possibility of the Sydney Cup an


The CF Orr Stakes over 1400m is the usual starting point for the serious Group 1 contenders for the Autumn races in Melbourne and Sydney however it is often a headache race for punters due to the unknown fitness levels of the key players.

Although a win would not totally surprise I am happy to risk Viewed, Zipping and Shocking for the win position simply because they have bigger fish to catch around Australian Cup (Flemington) and BMW Stakes (Randwick) time with a possibility of the Sydney Cup an option as well. Littorio, off a 308 days break, and Sirmione, off 350 days, should also be risked.

The tricky runner is Danzylum who will lead with Typhoon Tracey most likely sitting second. His fitness gives him a flukers chance of kicking away and stealing the race if the autumn stars are being ridden too "softly", for want of another word. This savage culling has the main chances as Sniper's Bullet (very capable first up), Heart Of Dreams (an excellent 2.2L defeat 1st up last campaign at wfa behind Predatory Pricer when not ridden well), Raffaello (good thing beaten in Group 1 Rupert Clarke Stakes 2nd up after winning first up and now trained by G (Jim) Marconi) and the mare Typhoon Tracy (1st up last campaign just grabbed by Predatory Pricer in last 50 metres).

The way the race will be run will favour Typhoon Tracy until the 100m mark but after that fitness issues kick in. There is little doubt she will be trained for the Coolmore Classic and based on that assumption she might just be a fraction underdone this weekend. She is a top class mare but just be careful about the price you take if you decide to back her. To add to the selection problems heavy rain is forecast around Melbourne on Friday: let's hope most of the rain misses Caulfield as a wet track is the last thing this top race needs.