Winx might be in Sydney stealing the spotlight but plenty of punters will be keen to tune into Caulfield for the year’s opening Group 1 race – Ladbrokes CF Orr Stakes 2017 betting tips found below.

There are a dozen class runners in the mix for this season’s $500,000 Group 1 Ladbrokes C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m), the weight-for-age feature drawing no less than nine proven elite level winners.

Currently Darren Weir’s three-time Group 1 champion and 1400m specialist Black Heart Bart leads the CF Orr Stakes odds at Ladbrokes.com.au paying $3.80 to win second-up.

He is the improver to come out of the Australia Stakes second and will eat up the extra distance here, but the six-year-old could be vulnerable in an open field from a nasty barrier 11 draw.

Black Heart Bart was beaten first-up by two lengths by Malaguerra in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) and that galloper also returns in the CF Orr Stakes chasing the double last completed by the mighty Black Caviar (2012).

Malaguerra pays $4.20 in CF Orr Stakes betting but also has a wide alley to overcome out in barrier 12, which has produced just one winner since 1985 with Shinzig (2008).

So will the Australia Stakes top two be fighting it out in the CF Orr Stakes quinella, or is there value tipping an upset in the Group 1 from the likes of Weir’s runner-up in the race last year Lucky Hussler ($6.50) or even the returning Caulfield Cup winning mare Jameka ($18)?

Earlier we published our comprehensive 2017 CF Orr Stakes Form Guide Analysis and based on the facts and stats uncovered we’ve got the best tips to take to the bookies below.

1^st

#1 Black Heart Bart ($3.80)

He is drawn out and history says the barrier works against him, but can’t go past Bart. Up until Suavito last year, favourites won six straight editions of this race so jumping the punters’ pick works in his favour. Australia Stakes second will have geared him up for this run getting back out over his pet distance (11-6-4-0). He is by far the best horse in this race over these metres, and he hasn’t finished worse than second in four Caulfield runs (4-3-1-0). 76% Place Rate is also the highest in the field and the Australia Stakes has produced four of the past six Orr winners, with only one to do the double in that time.

2^nd

#3 Lucky Hussler ($6.50)

If the barrier gets the better of Bart then his stablemate Lucky Hussler from a gun barrier four draw can return to form in this. The last start seventh first-up at the Gold Coast in the Magic Millions Cup (1400m) was better than it reads. Only beaten 1.2 lengths, jumped from gate 12 (of 15) under 61kg. Back at WFA and in a nice alley here should be improving notably. Runner-up in the race 12 months ago and plenty of other Caulfield form (5-2-2-0). No seven-year-old has won since 1983, but a top three run is more than possible for the evergreen veteran.

3^rd

#9 He’s Our Rokkii ($15)

So many chances to round out the placings but like the value offered on Lindsay Park’s Toorak Handicap winner at the track in October. Four-year-old with plenty of progression to come enjoyed a gun winning streak last time in and he flies at Caulfield (4-3-1-0). Two-from-three over the 1400m so first-up over these metres should be ideal. Options from barrier nine and one of the highest Win Rates of the field 41% so don’t discount at double-figures.

Whether you’re backing or sacking our Ladbrokes CF Orr Stakes 2017 tips make sure you’ve got access to the best Group 1 racing odds online now at Ladbrokes.com.au – home of Odds Boost (T&Cs apply).