Leung Ho Yin, Simon's Bio
Simon is a well respected full-time thoroughbred racing commentator specializing in overseas international racing. Bringing with him a wealth of racing knowledge, Simon is the host and race caller for the overseas simulcast programme since 2008/09 season. He is currently the presenter on several racing television programmes including, ‘Racing Horizon’ and ‘Horse Racing – Results’.

Caulfield Racecourse – Track Analysis (Caulfield Cup Day):

Besides Moonee Valley, the Caulfield Racecourse is yet another intimidating track in Melbourne, so characterized with its tight turns and short stretch runs. Comprised mainly of short straights around this turf strip, front-runners or horses tracking just off the pace, disregarding distance, often get a slight edge, while outside-drawn runners would also find an ideal trip by getting the first jump on the field and snatching the rail quick to dispute the lead, or sticking with the first flight along the “two-path” as soon as possible.

With big fields going to the post almost every year in the featured G1 Caulfield Cup over 2400m, positioning is tantamount when runners go by the judge for the first time and scramble for the first turn. Late closers saving ground early may soon be in tight head-long into the final furlong, and with a short stretch run that goes under 370m from the top of the lane to the finish, the 800m marker is invariably a key spot for runners to launch their bids, whereas riders need to look for a smart opening before turning for home, or else they would find themselves boxed in with nowhere to go. In the 2016 running of this prestigious prize, JAMEKA, tracking the leaders early, took command at the top of the stretch to reign supreme, whereas SCOTTISH made a bold mid-race move and still held on for second, and EXOSPHERIC, late to the scene, rallied for a belated third.

For the 1000m Caulfield Sprint, where the first turn is 500m out with a long stretch run, and the field has more than adequate time and space to sort themselves out, runners breaking from outside post positions still stand a fighting chance. However, with a left-hander almost immediately after the break – coupled with fast pace – in the 1400m Tristarc Stakes, outside-drawn runners would have a tall order to fill.

With only scattered showers – and sunny weather otherwise – leading up to Saturday in the Melbourne area, this year’s renewal of the Caulfield Cup Day will be contested on good to firm goings. Reviewing the most recent race meeting at Caulfield on 14th October, when no portable rails were up and the track was listed as good, rail-skimming runners – particularly through the early part of that race day – simply dominated the competition.

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