Caulfield Racing Preview & Tips: Saturday, October 11th 2025

Caulfield Racing — Spring Opener & Guineas Day

Spring in Melbourne really kicks off in earnest at Caulfield this Saturday, with a stacked program headlined by three Group 1 features: the Caulfield Guineas, the Toorak Handicap, and the Might & Power Stakes. The Guineas over 1600 m will naturally draw much of the attention, but the support races offer plenty of intrigue and value.

Race 8: Caulfield Guineas – Group 1 (1600m) – 4:30pm AEDT

This year’s Guineas shapes as a classic clash of the best three-year-olds from Melbourne and interstate. In nominations and early betting markets, names like Wodeton, Autumn Boy, and Nepotism loom large, bringing a touch of intrigue to the mix.

From the Victorian cohort, West of Swindon (fresh off a Stutt Stakes win) catches the eye, while Navy Pilot and Observer also merit close attention. The betting chatter suggests that jockeys James McDonald and Damian Lane may split duties on the Waller challengers (likely riding Wodeton and Autumn Boy).

In assessing the chances, what matters most will be which runners can settle without too much pressure and still have a strong finishing burst. The Guineas is notoriously tactical, and recent form analysis shows that while favourites are often prominent, underdogs do well when they carry speed into the straight.

Of the field, Wodeton is currently a clear market favorite and commands respect. But we’re leaning towards Autumn Boy as a live chance – if he handles the Melbourne track and finds the right run, his upside is strong.

Tip: (9) Autumn Boy – $4.20 at Dabble

Race 7: Toorak Handicap – Group 1 (1600m) – 3:50pm AEDT

The 2025 Toorak Handicap, run under open handicap conditions over a mile at Caulfield, promises to be a compelling renewal of one of Melbourne’s premier spring mile tests.

One of the strongest narratives this year is Sepals, a four-year-old who has been firing at stakes level and is heading into the Toorak as a very strong favourite to notch back-to-back Group 1s. The connections are clearly confident, and punters are rallying to her cause.

However, she will not have everything her own way. Damask Rose is another mare to note — her preparation has been carefully mapped out, with her trainer indicating that she is being primed to peak in the Toorak. In barrier and weight draw, she may need things to go her way, but she has enough class to mix it in the finish.

Given the handicap conditions, barrier draw and weight assignments will play a significant role. Horses that carry lighter burdens and can settle near the pace will have a tactical advantage in the Caulfield mile setup.

We’ll stick with Sepals. She has the form, the momentum and the favouritism backing her. But Damask Rose makes for a solid first challenger if she can overcome her barrier or find clear running late.

Tip – (5) Sepals – $3.40 at Dabble

Race 6: Might & Power Stakes – Group 1 (2000m) – 3:15pm AEDT

This year’s Might & Power Stakes (formerly known as the Caulfield Stakes) is shaping into a prime weight-for-age test over 2000m, offering a key spring stepping stone for middle-distance weight-for-age performers.  It carries a prize pool of $1 million.

Among the lead contenders, Treasurethe Moment is currently dominating market attention. She is expected to attract strong backing, and jockey Damian Lane will reunite with her. Her consistency around Caulfield and her class make her the horse to beat.

Opposing her is Buckaroo, who also features prominently in early betting markets. If he handles the trip and finds a forward position, he could make life uncomfortable for the favourite. Also to watch is Globe, whose connections appear keen to test him against this class – he may go under the radar.

Given the race’s weight-for-age structure, it will pay to favour those with top-class resume and proven middle-distance ability. Treasurethe Moment fits that profile perfectly, and she looks poised to reaffirm her status in this company. Buckaroo is the most logical danger, with Globe as a value option.

Tip: (5) Treasurethe Moment – $1.70 at Dabble