Group 1 racing returns to Caulfield this weekend, with the running of the 1800m Underwood Stakes set to headline a huge day of racing at the track.
Alligator Blood will be on the quick back-up from an impressive display one week prior, while the likes of Without A Fight and Soulcombe are also in the mix near the top of the betting market.
With the spring carnival well and truly underway and plenty of major events on the horizon, this promises to be a good preview for some of Melbourne's biggest races.
The Sporting News has all the tips, preview and analysis for the Underwood Stakes below.
Underwood Stakes 2023 final field, barriers and betting odds
The final field for this year's Group 1 Underwood Stakes has been confirmed, with the likes of defending champion Alligator Blood at the top of the betting market.
Odds courtesy of Dabble, correct as of 9:00 am AEST, September 23rd. WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU?
| Runner (Barrier) | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
| 1. Vow And Declare (4) | Billy Egan | Danny O'Brien | $101 |
| 2. Alligator Blood (8) | Damien Oliver | G.Waterhouse/A.Bott | $3.40 |
| 3. Mo'unga (17) | Jamie Mott | Annabel Neasham | $41 |
| 4. Nonconformist (6) | Harry Coffey | Grahame Begg | $51 |
| 5. Tuvalu (13) | Jamie Kah | Lindsey Smith | $7.00 |
| 6. Smokin Romans (14) | John Allen | C.Maher/D.Eustace | $51 |
| 7. Alenquer (10) | Declan Bates | Michael Moroney | $91 |
| 8. Without A Fight (11) | Mark Zahra | A & S. Freedman | $5.00 |
| 9. Right You Are (2) | Ben Allen | C.Maher/D.Eustace | $18 |
| 10. Soulcombe (5) | Blake Shinn | Chris Waller | $8.50 |
| 12. Bank Maur (1) | Jye McNeill | Richard Laming | $41 |
| 13. Lindermann (3) | Hugh Bowman | Chris Waller | $11 |
| 14. Attrition (15) | Ben Melham | Mitchell Freedman | $8.50 |
| 15. Duais (7) | Craig Williams | Edward Cummings | $23 |
| 16. Lunar Flare (12) | Michael Dee | Grahame Begg | $91 |
Underwood Stakes 2023 betting preview
After finishing second behind Mr Brightside just one week ago, Alligator Blood ($3.50) will be on the quick back-up and brings in strong form and class to the weight-for-age event at Caulfield.
Tuvalu ($7.00) has received some support in the market following two solid showings earlier this preparation and has Jamie Kah in the saddle, while Soulcombe ($8.50) is coming off a first-up victory and will be in the mix.
Group 2 winner Without A Fight ($5.00) will be resuming from a spell and has strong first-up form previously in his career with four placings and one victory across six starts, while Rosehill Guineas winner Lindermann ($10) is coming off an impressive showing three weeks ago in Sydney.
Attrition ($8.50) has narrowly missed out earlier this preparation but could benefit from the longer distance, while the form of Right You Are ($19) is an intriguing prospect for punters at wider odds.
Multiple-time Group 1 winner Mo'unga ($51) isn't receiving much love from the bookies heading into the race, while former Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare ($126) is the widest runner in the market.
According to racing exert Sam Wood from The Leg Up Australia, the favourite will earn another chance given the fact Mr Brightside isn't in the field, but is also looking at a Chris Waller/Hugh Bowman connection.
“Hugh Bowman is absolutely on fire at the moment… he’s coming back for the ride on Lindermann," he said.
"I’m happy to take you on there and at $8, I think it’s a good bet. It didn’t shot as much as you’d want [last start] – but it’s only third-up into the prep. I'll bet early on Alligator Blood, I'll bet late on Lindermann."
Co-host Blake Johnston also believes the favourite will prove too strong for the rest of the field and has Damien Oliver on board for this ride, while Nick Lloyd is taking on a left-field choice.
“I think Attrition will finish over the top of him – he’s ready to win," he said.
"Jockeys have been getting of this horse the whole way through and saying he needs 2000 metres and this is his first time beyond a mile. I think the extra furlong is perfect for him first-up at Caulfield."
THE LEG UP'S EXPERT TIP: Alligator Blood ($3.50) or Attrition ($8.50)
For more great horse racing tips, news & insights - visit THE LEG-UP AUSTRALIA.