While the weather reports predict doom and gloom from the skies, IASbet.com bookmaker Mark Read predicts Daffodil will win this year’s Caulfield Cup.

“It will be a slow tempo as Zavite leads from Light Vision and Vigor, while Kirklees will get the run in the box seat,” Read explained.  “Daffodil’s rating is at its highest when racing at 2400m like we saw this year in the AJC Oaks.  She is blessed with a low weight and comes into the race at peak fitness.  She is unquestionably a main threat.”

Read as he has taken aim at English stayers Cima De Triomphe and Kirklees in the Caulfield Cup.  “From a value prospective, Kirklees is poorly handicapped in the race while Cima De Triomphe has the task of coming from the rear off the back of a slow tempo.

“For those looking for a roughie, Light Vision’s price is tremendous each way value.”

No doubt, the absence of crowd favourite Maldivian has somewhat soured pre-post punters who wagered on last year’s Cox Plate winner to win the Caulfield Cup at $15.00.

However, IASbet.com bookmaker Mark Read declared he will pay back all lost pre-post bets on Maldivian, given that he ‘owes the horse one’.

“Maldivian has been an ally of mine,” Read stated.  “Firstly,  he would have sent me to the cleaners had he won the 2008 Caulfield Cup but he was scratched at the barriers.  Then he saved my skin by winning last year’s Cox Plate at big odds.  Given that we may not see him again – it’s the least I can do for punters.”