The Toorak Handicap is one of Australia’s classic mile races, first being run back in 1881. It’s run at Caulfield Racecourse with $1 million prizemoney.
Toorak Handicap 2022: Trev’s race preview
Track It’s between a Good 4 and Soft 5 at the moment. There’s plenty of rain on Friday so it’ll get a bit softer. I’d say a Soft 6.
Speed There’s heaps of speed here. Tuvalu, Buffalo River, No Name Lane, Gentleman Roy, Military Expert all look to go forward so it’ll be solidly run. I Wish I Win and Pinstriped go back.
Runner-by-runner
Prices courtesy of TopSport at time of publication.
5 I Wish I Win [$2.50] is undefeated in Australia. He was super-impressive last start when back and caught out, and still looks to be on the up. There’s a slight concern with barrier 13, and he’ll have to go right back. The track and bias may be a factor, but he’s definitely the horse to beat.
8 Tuvalu [$8.50] put in a terrific effort first-up in the Sir Rupert Clarke on the pace. He has a good record at the trip, handles all ground and races on the speed. He has a great chance.
9 Gentleman Roy [$9.50] has put in two good runs this prep. He ran well to win last start but it was a sit and sprint… he gets a different setup here.
11 Military Expert [$9.50] has put in three good runs this prep. He was good at The Valley on the biased track, and good last start in a slow race. He rolls forward and can sit off a good speed here. Terrific chance.
13 Pinstriped [$14] has a better spruik than his ratings suggest. Even allowing for his best, he would need to take a couple more steps. He’s got a chance but I would want bigger odds.
15 Uncle Bryn [$14] was okay last start, but is back in trip here. His best-ever run was in a really fast race, which he gets here. But again I would want good odds to back him.
4 Laws Of Indices [$20] ran okay first-up in the Sir Rupert Clarke. He gets JMac on here. Barrier 15 is a concern so the track pattern is key. He’s a chance at odds.
6 Hilal [$21] needs a dry-ish track. Was okay two starts back in the Winx Stakes and gets a suck run from barrier 2 here. He’s a rough chance.
14 Character [$21] is racing well and is honest, but is better suited back in class.
1 Callsign Mav [$26] won the Sir Rupert Clarke and now goes to 1600m, which should be okay. His chances would be enhanced with a heavy track.
7 Buffalo River [$31] would also have his chances enhanced if it’s wet. I would prefer him at 1400m however.
10 Bankers Choice [$31] is suited out in trip and handles all ground. Barrier 16 is a concern, I’m not sure he can get past the whole field to salute.
12 Noname Lane [$31] is racing well, winning his last three, but this is a different class. Would surprise.
The rest aren’t quite good enough for this in my opinion: 2 Converge [$26], 3 Dalasan [$34], 16 Winning Partner [$91].
Betting strategy
Two-horse play Tuvalu, Pinstriped
I Wish I Win is certainly on top and the horse to beat, however I’d probably want slightly better odds. I quite like the chances of Tuvalu and Pinstriped at the odds, so will look to have something on them.
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