Welcome back to another edition of Payney's Punt, the column that aims to help you back winners.
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We are back from a quick let-up in the paddock, where we have been spending our time and hard-earned on the thrill that is Wall Street.
Yes, Payney's Punt has been following the whirlwind stock exchange.
But after not being able to tell the difference between a hedge-fund and an actual hedge, we have decided to let the billionaires handle the stocks and for us to return to our true calling.
Group One racing returns with the headline C.F Orr Stakes at Caulfield and it promises to be a great day of action.
A bit of farmer's relief is expected before Saturday but no rain should fall on the day, so expect them to be racing on a soft 5 at the worst.
The rail will be in its true position — after being out 9m last week — and the inside line could be coming up Milhouse.
If you are jumping on the GameStop shares (you're a bit late to the party) or decide to play closer to home at Caulfield, please remember to always gamble responsibly.
Race 1. 12.40pm — BM84 (1400m)
A cracking race greets punters in the first, with talented Mystery Shot (1) up against favourite Regardsmaree (7). The latter has been racing in sublime touch this preparation with two wins and a third. Steps up in grade, but drops in weight from last start. Mystery Shot registered a shocking run when fresh and was the last one to pass the post. Record is too strong to overlook. Has four wins at 1400m, three at Caulfield and three in the wet. Praying for a sharp improvement.
Top tip: Mystery Shot.
Race 2. 1.15pm — Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m)
A tough race to gauge in the first Blue Diamond Prelude. Little form to work with. Let's start with the favourite Arcaded (5). Won at only start at this track/distance in good time. Has drawn the guts but early speed should help. Decent Raine (8) missed out last start when favourite and rises in weight here. Tayla's Moment (3) has two runner-up finishes from two starts and expect a strong performance here third up. Has drawn beside the fav and I'd like to see the filly follow Arcaded out nice and early. Lady Audrey (9) will take up front running with Decent Raine. Finished second behind Arcaded and at $26, just watch market. These type of races normally produce an upset. Same can be said for Telluride (2) who should relish the rise in distance.
Top tip: Tayla's Moment
Race 3. 1.50pm — Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m)
A bit more confidence in the second Prelude of the day. Expect Jigsaw (7) and General Beau (1) to set the early pace. We have followed General Beau since the colt defeated Finance Tycoon on debut in September. Followed that run with a second in Listed company. Resumed in the Blue Diamond Preview last start and won in solid time. Jamie Kah, who has ridden the colt in all three runs, is a massive tick. Jigsaw won on debut in the wet over this trip. Extreme Warrior (3) gets the inside rail and just missed last start to General Beau. Big danger. Don't sleep on Marine One (6) who had fastest 200m in that same race, rise to 1100m will suit. Yulong Turbo (5) won on debut, but was a touch green, winkers on is a positive.
Top tip: General Beau
Race 4. 2.25pm — Autumn Stakes (1400m)
Back out to 1400m and looks like Jet Propulsion (4), Poland (8) and El Salto will lead. Amish Boy (2) ran second last start ahead of Away Game on the Gold Coast. Has just one win from 10 attempts, but is super consistent. Has two second placings at this trip from two attempts. Will enjoy it if the rain sets in. Young Werther (3) is back after running third in the Victoria Derby. Yet to race at this distance and this isn't his grand final. Watch for It'sourtime (7) and I'm Thunderstruck (9) late in the piece. They have a quick turn of foot and are undefeated in their short careers.
Top tip: Amish Boy
Race 5. 3pm — Kevin Hayes Stakes (1200m)
Back to 1200m for a quick dash. Pinkham (10) returns from a spell and won in nice time on debut at Seymour. Won a recent trial by seven lengths! Has drawn wide. La Mexicana (2) is unbeaten at this trip. Hindaam (2) beat her home last start at Sandown over 1400m. Hindaam finished fourth in that same trial as Pinkham. One of our favourites Aidensfield (5) is up against quality opposition, but we can't look past her. The filly caught our eye last year at this track and distance when paying $12. That was a fresh win and she returns to the races here. A steal at $8. Has a 3:2-1-0 record over this trip and two wins in the wet, so no dramas if Mother Nature decides to let it rain. Only query is the wide barrier.
Top tip: Aidensfield EW
Race 6. 3.35pm — TS Carlyon Cup (1600m)
Out to the mile in race six and looks like Miss Siska (8) and Happy Pharrell will lead. Miss Siska has been in hot form in past two trials, winning both, and has a strong record first-up. Won this race last year. Jockey Damian Lane has had two wins previously. Nonconformist (2) should get a cruisy ride from barrier one and sit off the pace. Finished behind Sir Dragonet in a recent trial. Has a 6:2-1-2 record at Caulfield and two wins over this trip. Handles the dry and wet ground. Over Exposure (4) is another strong performer over this trip and on both conditions. Does rise in weight from recent win at Flemington. Former Lindsay Park runner Neufbosc (10) is coming off a win in the Perth Cup five weeks ago and drops back to 1600m.
Top tip: Nonconformist
Race 7. 4.15pm — Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (1200m)
Won't be an overly quick race, but the front runners look to be Snapdancer (6), Lashes (7) and Sierra Sue (3). The latter is unbeaten fresh and can handle both conditions well. Has won at only attempt at this trip. Probabeel (1) is a serious type and deserves the top-weight tag. Does have 60kg but is all class. Yet to race with this much weight is the only query. Bam's On Fire (4) returns from a 35-week spell and is class when fresh (5:1-2-2). Has three wins at Caulfield and placed five times from seven attempts at this distance. Jamie Kah has won before aboard this mare. A great each-way play.
Top tip: Bam's On Fire EW
Race 8. 4.55pm — C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m)
The feature race of the day is dominated by one standout runner that punters are eyeing off. Sir Dragonet (2) returns to the races and is favourite. Won the Cox Plate on a Soft 7 with ease. Yet to win at a trip under 2000m. Crosshaven (10) is the only three-year-old in the race but he has so much upside. Is unbeaten at 1400m and in the wet with three wins. Won a recent trial at Geelong. Crosshaven has untapped potential, the sky is the limit with this smart gelding. With 55kg and early pace they will have to work hard to rein in this rising star. Imaging (6) is sublime at this trip and fires fresh, could be big danger.
Top tip: Crosshaven
Race 9. 5.35pm — Rubiton Stakes (1100m)
A tough race, but it should be a belter. Greyworm (2) will be pushing to lead alongside How Womantic (7). The former has won his past three races where he's been able to lead. Returns from a spell and flies when fresh with three wins. Has five wins on the dry and three in the wet. Happy to back the big grey in after two recent trial wins. How Womantic enters after winning a jump out at Geelong and has a great record here. All five wins have come on the dry. Viridine (1) just missed last start in the Australia Stakes. Has won twice at Caulfield and looks a serious threat.
Top tip: Greyworm
Best of the day
When: Tomorrow
Where: Caulfield
Race 9: (2) Greyworm
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Sports Editor