The Caulfield meeting on Saturday is headlined by two Group 1s – the Underwood Stakes and Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.

Running across 1800m under weight-for-age conditions, the million-dollar Underwood Stakes was won by Sir Delius last year (2025), followed by Buckaroo (2024), Alligator Blood (2023 & 2022), and Zaaki (2021).

While the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes is an open handicap run at the distance of 1400m and was previously won by Sepals (2025), Kimochi (2024), Magic Time (2023), Callsign Mav (2022), and Sierra Sue (2021).

Cosmic Crusader presents as the short favourite in the Underwood with Lindermann closely behind, while the 2024 winner Buckaroo presents value.

And in the Sir Rupert Clarke, Chris Waller’s Lady Shenandoah is the current favourite, but the market suggests anything can happen.

Check out our tips and predictions for the Underwood Stakes & Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes below!

Underwood Stakes

Winner: BUCKAROO

Top 4: Buckaroo | Cosmic Crusader | Birdman | Kingswood

Why: Buckaroo’s form in this race is just too hard to ignore. In 2024, he won this race by 3.5 lengths, then last year he only ran second to Sir Delius. While Buckaroo isn’t a notorious winner, claiming triumph in only five races from 34 starts, I do believe he presents value.

The in-form Cosmic Crusader also appears to run a mighty race, and the market agrees. Fourth-up here now, and is clearly the fittest horse in the race, having won her first two starts and placing in the Memsie. While the WA horse has never won fourth-up before, you must acknowledge his fitness and form. Respect.

Buckaroo’s stable mate Birdman is also a sneakily underrated horse. His 1800m form is a Group 2 win at Caulfield and a second to Pride Of Jenni, suggesting this race will be right up his alley. In the winter, he won the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m), turning the tables on Jenni, and had a promising first-up run this spring at mega odds in the Memsie.

Kingswood can be in the mix as well. His first-up run was an outstanding win at 1700m and could run an amazing race again here.

Lindermann’s only Group 1 win was in the 2023 Rosehill Guineas and hasn’t placed at Caulfield in his two starts here. Prefer other options.

Connor Scanlon

Winner: BIRDMAN

Top 4: Birdman | Pinstriped | Cosmic Crusader | Kingswood

Why: The eye-catcher of the Memsie Stakes was Birdman, held deep in the field and released late wide, I loved how he hit the line. The extra 400m is a beautiful step-up and I can see it swarming over the top of Cosmic Crusader with a class edge.

Between these two I'm putting my value of the race, Pinstriped. Enver Jusufovic has his eight-year-old going great guns in three start this prep. Do yourself a favour and watch the replays then tell me it isn't begging for 1800m.

Kingswood needs to have a career peak but had a stellar performance last start from a sticky draw and the Bedggood stable is unstoppable at the moment.

Ethan Clark

Winner: COSMIC CRUSADER

Top 4: Cosmic Crusader | Birdman | Lindermann | Buckaroo

Why: Was with Cosmic Crusader in the Memsie and ended up disappointed when he was beaten by the barrier.

After some pointed feedback, trust Pikey will have him outside leader Lindermann and he should rip home on a good track. Wouldn’t want to be shuffled too far back though...

Birdman should sit handy enough and will appreciate the rise to 1800m. Should be strong at the end.

Lindermann can win if he and Blake Shinn get the race run to suit. Also if Caulfield is favouring on-pacers. But there is a query as there have been some failures the Melbourne way of going.

Buckaroo will be doing his best work late and shouldn’t be too far away.

Andrew Slevison

Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes

Winner: WARNIE

Top 4: Warnie | Lady Shenandoah | Evaporate | Persian Spirit

Why: Oh boy, take your pick here.

Warnie flashed home in his last start, which was at 1300m, and despite being eased up before the finishing post, he still ran excellently through the line. Warnie appears set for a huge 1400m run here, and from barrier 3, he could take out this Group 1 at wide odds.

Lady Shenandoah has an excellent record at the distance, being two from two before bumping into Autumn Glow in his first-up run this spring in the Winx Stakes. That form must be respected, and she is the class horse in the field, but 56kg and barrier 1 is a little scary. If she can get some clear air, look out.

Evaporate will be around the mark as he usually is. Won at 1500m last time out, and before that ran third to Cosmic Crusader – some promising recent form. He’s a tough horse, so expect a placing.

Following the form from Warnie, Persian Spirit also appeared as a horse to follow from that race. The gelding seems peaked for 1400m here, and while I don’t believe he can turn the tables on Warnie, I think he can finish inside the top 4. 52kg also helps.

I don’t trust Regal Award due to his barrier issues, but if the four-year-old jumps fine he could very well be in the finish.

Sepals will struggle to go back-to-back here with 56.5kg on his back, while Angel Capital can’t be included in the winning chances due to his inconsistency.

Yellow Jersey is the interesting runner. Could he run a race as a roughie? I believe so but would rather see how he performs across 1400m first.

Connor Scanlon

Winner: REGAL AWARD

Top 4: Regal Award | Lady Shenandoah | War Machine | Tennessee Bound

Why: Regal Award is the clear stand-out for me here. Tommy Stokes was very optimistic with his gelding going into this one and he loves Lachie Neindorf in the saddle. 52.5kgs is a dream to steal this one first-up.

This is a lot easier for Lady Shenandoah than some previous opposition (Autumn Glow/Sheza Alibi) but it won't be a walk in the park. First time at the track is always a question but Craig Williams is a good addition in the saddle.

War Machine had a nice turn of foot last start along the rails and with Damian Lane aboard, should find some nicer ground out wide at Caulfield late in the day from the wide draw.

If Tennessee Bound gets a start, it won't start at the current quote. Plugged away on a soft track last start but a return to firm ground where she is udefeated and a drop in weight can see her turn the tables on Warnie who got the W last time out.

Taking on Evaporate having never won from nine attempts at Caulfield and only one win at the distance from eight attempts.

Ethan Clark

Winner: REGAL AWARD

Top 4: Regal Award | Lady Shenandoah | Evaporate | Tennessee Bound

Why: Bit of a raffle this, so looking at those on or near the speed which on a warm day at Caulfield will likely be the place to be.

Regal Award is normally handy if he has his barrier manners in check.

Lady Shenandoah must be respected and certainly can win. Inside gate allows Willo to boot up and take a handy spot.

Evaporate is capable of figuring but petrified of the wide draw which could bring about trouble.

Don’t mind Tennessee Bound at massive odds to run well.

Throw Tom Kitten in juicier exotics.

Note: Good luck to those courageous enough to stick with Angel Capital. Has the talent to win, but cannot include confidently.

Andrew Slevison

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