Caulfield Blackbookers - Saturday, August 16

Alex Marsh

Editor

Last updated: Mon 18 Aug 2025 09:13

Alex Marsh 18 Aug 2025

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Skippers Canyon delivers a solid performance, showing potential for longer distances
Gala Queen demonstrates promise, likely to perform better on firmer ground
Royal Insignia maintains solid form and will improve on good tracks

Who are the runners to follow from PB Lawrence Stakes Day? (Getty)

Race 2 - Skippers Canyon (second): This New Zealand import caught the eye with an impressive Australian debut win last month at Sandown, where he came from the rear over 1400m.

While he couldn't complete a double when going to 1800m on Saturday, it was another solid performance from Skippers Canyon, who is still a work in progress for Phillip Stokes.

His sole New Zealand win was recorded over 2100m, so there's room to improve over longer trips and he looks capable of working through the lower grades.

Race 3 - Gala Queen (fourth): There was plenty of merit to the July 26 resumption, where Gala Queen got warm at end of a 1100m BM78 and Pop Award has since franked that form at Listed level.

As a result of the encouraging fresh effort, the four-year-old was a firm fav second-up over a more suitable trip and after being flushed out at a key stage here, she was forced to cover ground.

Also, Gala Queen wasn't anywhere near as effective on a Soft 7, which makes it a forgive run for the Listed-winning miler, who could easily atone on firmer ground next start.

Race 7 - Royal Insignia (third): The middle and wider lanes were favourable, especially as this program wore on and Royal Insignia was working home in the inferior ground.

While it was still a solid return from the Grahame Begg-trained entire, he's another who is more comfortable on firmer ground, having been well-held via his previous tries on a Soft 7 and a Heavy 8.

Royal Insignia didn't run a strong mile when rounding his autumn in the Australian Guineas, but he's a Group 3 winner over six furlongs and 1200m-1400m looks his right range.