FEATURE PREVIEWS: TOORAK HANDICAP

Held annually in mid-October, the Toorak Handicap is a handicap race over 1600m. Dean Evans of Winning Edge Investments provides his in-depth feature preview of the meeting at Caulfield, plus his Toorak Handicap Tips.

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Dean Evans

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TOORAK HANDICAP PREVIEW

Recent winners have included Trust In A Gust, Lucky Hussler, Land Of Plenty, Fierce Impact and I’m Thunderstruck.

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BETTER ODDS IN THE TOORAK

The last two years have been particularly lucrative for Exchange punters when it comes to point of comparison.

In 2022, Tuvalu got up at the post commission BSP of $10.57, which was 9% greater than the corporate average of $9.60.

Last year Attrition got up at $31.51 which also shaded both Ladbrokes and Sportsbet for value.

TOORAK HANDICAP HISTORY (LAST 11 YEARS)

6-8 days (0/9), 13-14 Days (6/96), 15 days (0/14), 21 Days (7/56), 22+ days (0/21)
1st up (0/5), 2nd up (2/24), 3rd up (6/78), 4th up (3/60), 5th up (1/16), 6th up (1/4), 7th+ up (0/9)
Geldings (8/115), Entires (4/58), Mares (0/33)
Last Start G1 (11/98), G2/G3 (1/50), Other (1/48)
Last Start Distance 1400 (10/97), 1600 (1/41), 1800 (2/9), Other (0/49)
Last Start Caulfield (11/106), Hastings (1/5), Randwick (1/15), Other (0/70)
Can win from any barrier with 6 winners drawn 1-4 and 6 winners having drawn 10-18
10 of the last 13 editions have been run at a very fast pace. This has resulted in back markers featuring heavily in the winner’s circle with the last 7 of the last 9 winners settling between 6th and 15th
4yo (4/58), 5yo (3/43), 6yo (3/56), 7yo (3/25), 8yo+ (0/14)
4–7-year-olds have won the last 13 editions, and only one mare has even run a place in the last 11 years from 25 runners
57kg+ (5 winners from 29 runners)

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SPEED MAP

They usually go quick in this race historically. Slightly smaller field here however, and not as much speed expected. Wishlor Lass & Magnaspin look to lead. Desert Lightning maps 3 wide no cover which is an issue. Another Wil & Bank Maur map nicely behind the speed. Light Infantry Man, Jimmy The Bear and Alsephina all map midfield but caught wide. Orchestral, Antino, Osipenko & Craig out the back.

FINAL FIELD – KEY RUNNERS

1. Desert Lightning – G1 mile winner in NZ and beaten Legarto. Transferred to the Moody stable and was strong first up when 3 wide no cover 3rd, then was strong winning the G3 Sandown Stakes with a big weight. Right in this.

3. Antino – Has been racing the A Graders all prep and was only beaten 2.4L when 3rd behind Pride Of Jenni and Mr Brightside last start. That’s strong form for this.

4. Another Wil – Has won 7 from 10 and has been strong past two starts winning in weaker grade. Talented horse but is taking the next step here.

6. Orchestral – Very classy NZ mare who has won at G1 level In NZ and Australia. Well up to winning this.

12. Osipenko – Was an improved run for 4th last start at G2 level. Can figure.