HYLAND RACE COLOURS

UNDERWOOD STAKES

(GROUP 1)

HOMESMAN, winner of last year’s Group 3 Airlie Stud Gallinule Stakes, has moved to second favouirte for the Caulfield Cup following his Group 1 win in the Underwood Stakes at Caulfield on Sunday. The US-bred War Front horse, formerly at Ballydoyle, but like many before him bought by Lloyd Williams and his syndicate members, was Liam Howley’s first winner as a trainer when he took over from Robert Hickmont in November.

Homesman, second previoulsly in the Dato’ Tan Chin Nam Stakes, was equal second favourite behind the Makybe Diva Stakes winner Grunt. Tackling the favourite on the bend, the Japanese-bred Tosen Basil was Homesman’s biggest threat, the $70 chance running him to a nose as the Teofilo gelding Humidor charged home for third, beaten three-quarters of a length.

One to keep safe is Irish-bred Blair House who got back and ran on well along the rails to finish fourth, beaten two and a half lengths.

TOUGH

“He’s a tough animal, there’s no doubt about that. He’s very genuine, very honest,” said Lloyd William’s son Nick of Homesman. “Ben gave him a great ride, he rated him beautifully. I think 1,800 metres is short of his optimum trip, but it’s great to get the Group 1 up for him. That gives him ballot-free exemption into the Caulfield Cup.”