A talented field of nine runners has been confirmed for Saturday’s featured Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield; offering punters exceptional value from a betting standpoint and several key opportunities to place a winning wager.

The Cleaner is our pick to take out Saturday’s PB Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

Smokin’ Joey has returned to racing in slick form this time and has maintained status as outright $3.40 favourite in 2015 PB Lawrence Stakes betting markets at Ladbrokes.com.au ahead of Dibayani ($4.20) and Excess Knowledge ($4.40).

Will Smokin’ Joey justify favouritism and win the 2015 PB Lawrence Stakes, or will one of his many talented rivals find the line in the clear?

1^st

The Cleaner ($11)

Popular gelding The Cleaner will contest the 2015 PB Lawrence Stakes first-up but flies fresh, has been confirmed to be partnered by aggressive hoop Noel Callow and should have no issue finding the fore of the field from barrier 6. Undoubtedly finding career-best form to date through the 2014 Spring Carnival, the son of Savoire Vivre won each of the Group 2 Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) and Group 3 JRA Cup (2040m); progressing to a credible ninth in the Cox Plate (2040m) before running on for a credible third in the talent-rich Group 1 Emirates Stakes (1600m). The Cleaner offers punters great value for money at current $11 odds for success.

2^nd

Petrology ($7.50)

Talented four-year-old Petrology is a proven performer over both course and distance, and while requiring some luck in transit from the outside barrier, is weighted well for success in the PB Lawrence Stakes. Capping his 2014 Spring Carnival campaign with consecutive wins in the Listed TV Stakes (1800m) and Group 2 Sandown Guineas (1600m), the Fastnet Rock entire returned this time for a credible third in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) and is sure to have taken great benefit from the competitive hit-out.

3^rd

Smokin’ Joey ($3.40)

Consistent performer Smokin’ Joey has returned to racing in great condition this time, but has drawn an inside alley; something that does not tend to suit his back marking running style. A Group 1 winner having taken out the 2014 edition of The Goodwood (1200m), the son of Encosta De Lago returned this year for a credible fourth in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) in January; progressing to success in the Group 3 Carlyon Cup (1600m) before running a close second to Suavito in the Group 2 Futurity Stakes (1400m) most notably. Having taken out each of the Listed Eye Liner Stakes (1350m) and Bletchingly Stakes most recently, Smokin’ Joey is more than capable of success in the PB Lawrence.

Do you agree with our 2015 PB Lawrence Stakes tips? Open an account at Ladbrokes.com.au today and have your say with the best odds available online!