The 2024 Underwood Stakes takes centre stage at Caulfield this Saturday, marking a major stepping-stone on the road to the spring’s feature staying races. Two horses have emerged as the frontrunners for top spot in Underwood Stakes betting on the Group 1 showdown.

Pericles is a key contender in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield this weekend. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

Following the scratching of Kovalica, the field for the $750,000 Underwood Stakes (1800m) is down to 12 runners. The Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained mare, Place Du Carrousel, has seen a surge in popularity, becoming the new market leader.

Drawn ideally in barrier five with Mark Zahra in the saddle, the six-year-old daughter of Lope De Vega has firmed from $5 to $3.50 in early betting at Ladbrokes. Her impressive record – five wins and three placings from just 12 starts – speaks volumes.

A French import boasting a victory at the highest level (2000m) at Longchamp in 2022, Place Du Carrousel has settled in well with her new stable. After an eye-catching second to Via Sistina in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) in Sydney, she finished seventh to runaway winner Pride Of Jenni in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) during the autumn.

Returning fresh for a strong spring campaign, punters are clearly optimistic about her chances.

Despite losing favouritism, Godolphin‘s Pericles shouldn’t be underestimated. Drawn wider in gate 11 with Blake Shinn aboard, he enters the race with a fitness advantage, having already had two lead-up runs this preparation.

Pericles finished a close third in the Group 2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes before securing a dominant victory (2.5 lengths) in the So You Think Stakes (1500m) at The Valley last time out. This win further bolsters his credentials and he’s proven over the 1800m distance of the Underwood.

While Place Du Carrousel and Pericles headline the Underwood Stakes field, Chris Waller‘s Group 2 winner Buckaroo ($6.50) and the potential Melbourne Cup contender Fawkner Park ($7.50) shouldn’t be overlooked.

Buckaroo arrives in good form after a narrow victory in the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Randwick, while Fawkner Park, trained by Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald, is considered a leading pick for the upcoming spring cups. He resumes from a winning performance in Brisbane’s Group 2 The Q22 (2200m) and is expected to improve throughout his preparation.

The 2024 Underwood Stakes promises to be a thrilling contest with Place Du Carrousel and Pericles at the forefront. However, Buckaroo and Fawkner Park add further depth to the field, making this a race not to be missed.

The race is scheduled for Saturday, September 21st at 4:15 PM AEST (Caulfield Race 8). Be sure to check out the latest markets from Ladbrokes!

2024 Underwood Stakes Field 

Table Credit: Racing Australia.

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