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Daniel Pryor Saturday Horse Racing Tips 7/2/26

On the punt with Pryor

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Tagged: Deepspunta18, Horse Racing Tips, Randwick, Caulfield

Last weekend’s racing at Caulfield and Rosehill set the tone heading deeper into the Autumn Carnival for both the Melbourne and Sydney Racing Clubs.

Competitive racing was the hallmark across both venues, with riders and horses alike tested in strong, genuinely run events.

James McDonald returned to peak form at Rosehill with five winners on the program, while at Caulfield, 2kg claiming apprentice Luke Cartwright produced a standout ride, landing a treble at prices of $4, $19, and $41 to close out the quaddie.

Performances like these underline the depth of form emerging as we approach the major autumn features.

This weekend’s programs are stacked with quality. Caulfield hosts three Group 2 races and four Group 3 contests, while Randwick stages a Group 3 alongside two Listed events.

The two-year-old races at both venues will also have significant implications for the Blue Diamond and Golden Slipper markets moving forward.

The highly regarded grey Hidrix, a $1.7 million purchase, stamped himself as a serious Golden Slipper contender last weekend.

He jumped as a $13 chance, won comfortably with something in reserve, and immediately firmed from $51 to $7.50 equal favourite in futures markets.

Early positions have been secured, and market movement is expected to continue as the carnival unfolds.

Feature Race Observations

The Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) brings together a strong group of returning three-year-olds.

Tempted heads the market at short odds and will be hard to beat despite the weight impost.

Wodeton looks the obvious danger, while Napoleonic and Rivellino add further intrigue.

Rivellino, in particular, profiles as a horse who may appreciate further ground later in his preparation but still shapes as one to watch first-up given his consistency and pedigree.

At Caulfield, the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes is a deep contest.

Hedged comes off a dominant win that included a track record, but from barrier one may be vulnerable if momentum is interrupted.

Oak Hill looks well placed to build through his gears at the right time, while others in the field are not without claims in a genuinely competitive sprint.

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On the Punt with Pryor – Best Bets for Weekend Racing

Caulfield

Track Condition: Good
Rail: Out 8 metres

Race 1 – No.1 BLUESTONE ($6.50)

Rated significantly shorter on my numbers. Proven first-up, and Mick Kent looks to have him fit for the 2000m fresh assignment. Hard to beat at the price.

Race 2 – No.1 BERKELEY SQUARE ($6.00)

Best performed runner in the field and rated favourite despite the weight. There is clear value on offer compared to my assessed price.

Race 6 – No.5 OAK HILL ($3.80)

Goes up against a track-record runner, but barrier one for the favourite could prove awkward. Oak Hill should have momentum at the right stage and looks a genuine winning chance.

Race 8 – Dual Win Play

No.8 THANKS GORGEOUS ($8.50)
No.4 SIGNATURE SCENT ($6.50)
Both appeal in an open race and are well worth backing at the current odds.

Randwick

Track Condition: Good
Rail: True

Race 8 – Dual Win Play

No.3 TEMPTED ($1.80)
No.1 RIVELLINO ($21)
Tempted is clearly the one to beat and could simply blow them away. Rivellino is over the odds and cannot be ignored at the price, even if he may ultimately want further than 1200m later in the prep.

Race 10 – Dual Win Play

No.7 SPRING LEE ($5.50)
No.6 CELUI ($5.00)
Nervous Witness may overdo things first-up after a long break. Both selections have solid first-up form and should get ideal runs settling off the speed.