2008 February | Australia Melbourne Cup and Racing News

Despite a recent spell of poor form, no wins from six starts, and drawing barrier 12, Miss Finland (4.00) is still the favourite to win the Group 1 Futurity Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday. But the stakes are high for the champion mare - if she fails to perform again indications are that she will be retired after the event. Other strong chances in the field include Niconero (6.00), Publishing (6.00) and Casino Prince (7.00).

Saturday’s Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes, Victoria’s richest race for two-year-olds, at Caulfield is set to be another thrilling contest. Currently, the Lee Freedman trained Wilander leads the betting in a very open race, but he faces stiff opposition from Mark Kavanagh’s Believe ‘n’ Suceed, as well as four David Hayes gallopers - the champion trainer is aiming for his third Blue Diamond Quinella in a row.

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Champion galloper, Apache Cat makes a run at back-to-back Group 1 victories in Saturday’s Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley. The recent Lightning Stakes winner is the firm favourite, followed by Miss Finland, Let Go Thommo and Stanzout.

A dynamite field, which includes 10 Group 1 winners, are set to contest Saturday’s C.F. Orr Stakes at Caulfield. Champion galloper Maldivian, who returns to the track for the first time since his dramatic Caulfield Cup scratching, is the punter favourite, but he will be challenged by the likes of Fiumicino, Princess Coup and Rubiscent.