A talented and capacity field of fourteen plus three emergencies has been confirmed for Saturday’s 2016 Bel Esprit Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield Racecourse; offering punters exceptional value from a betting standpoint and several key opportunities to place a winning wager.

Under The Louvre is the Races.com.au tip to win Saturday’s Bel Esprit Stakes at Caulfield. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

Sheidel has returned to racing in slick form this time and remains outright $4.60 favourite in 2016 Bel Esprit Stakes betting markets with Ladbrokes.com.au, ahead of Under The Louvre ($5.50) and Pittsburgh Flyer ($6.50).

Will Sheidel justify favouritism and win the 2016 Bel Esprit Stakes or will one of his talented rivals find the line in the clear?

1^st

Under The Louvre ($5.50)

The 1100m at Caulfield may be something of a query for Under The Louvre, however the gelding is arguably the class horse of the capacity field and represents particularly good value for money at current $5.50 Bel Esprit Stakes odds. A standout through the 2015 edition of the autumn, highlighted by second in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) and third in the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m), Under The Louvre continued to impress through a busy spring preparation highlighted by second place finishes in each of the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) and Group 3 Moonga Stakes (1400m) and third in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m). While requiring some luck from barrier 13, Under The Louvre has been confirmed to be partnered by regular hoop Mark Zahra.

2^nd

Hellova Street ($21)

Tasmanian sprinter Hellova Street will make his mainland debut in the Bel Esprit Stakes and should be given a gem of a ride by in-form jockey Ben Melham. It’s difficult to stack the Tasmanian form against that of any other state, however the gelding’s impressive record of nine wins and seven minors through only seventeen career starts suggests he is going to be up to the class of the Bel Esprit Stakes. While yet to appear on course competitively in 2016, the son of Helike returned to the paddock after winning each of the Tasmanian Goodwood Handicap (1000m) and Listed Tasmanian Newmarket Handicap (1200m).

3^rd

Java ($14)

A proven first-up performer, Java will carry only 54kgs in the 2016 Bel Esprit as is undoubtedly over the odds at his current quote. Experiencing something of a meteoric rise to prominence this the 2015 autumn, Java won three-consecutive Victorian sprints before making a successful transition to black type company with success in the Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1300m) on Australia Day. Having also placed fourth amongst open company in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m), Java finished third in the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes (1200m) most notably through four spring starts and has reportedly taken plenty of benefit from his time away from racing.

Open an account and bet with Ladbrokes.com.au to take advantage of the best 2016 Bel Esprit Stakes odds!