Saturday review, Spring guide

Douro Valley: Jockey dictated the terms in the Yalumba but it was still a very good win. Shows he is going just as well as he was last year when second in Caulfield Cup. Drops from 59 to 53 next Saturday. Only query is whether he stays 2400.

Pompeii Ruler: Second in the Yalumba but far from disgraced. Arguably should have won if not pushed wide by a wayward Casual Pass. Unlike previous two starts, finished the race off encouragingly. Unlikely Caulfield Cup runner but will prove very hard to beat in the Cox Plate.

Guillotine: Third in the Yalumba but more importantly settled beautifully which he did not do in the Turnbull. Has no weight in the Caulfield Cup and shapes as though 2400m will not be a problem.

C'est La Guerre: Welcome return to form in the Yalumba where he ran fourth. Likely to bypass the Caulfield Cup but may be a run short for the Melbourne Cup. Won the NZ Derby on a wet track so any rain will help him.

Largo Lad: Ran admirably at first try at weight-for-age. Better suited in a handicap and can win the Moonee Valley Cup. Might be a touch immature for this year's features.

Sirmione: Disappointing effort in the Yalumba but has rarely run well at Caulfield. The Cox Plate looks beyond him but a race like the Mackinnon is not out of reach.

Dolphin Jo: Tough grinding win in the Winning Edge which books him a Caulfield Cup start. Trainer undecided whether he will run. Lacks the class for a Caulfield Cup but runs a very strong 3200.

Whobegotyou: Effortless winner of the Guineas and now has the VRC Derby at his mercy. Trainer adamant he will skip the Cox Plate but would be tough to beat if he headed that way.

Time Thief: Very good effort in the Guineas but no match for winner. Very valuable colt and the Ascot Vale Stakes shapes as a less risky race to chase Group One glory than the Derby.

Von Costa De Hero: Ran on strongly in the Guineas showing more distance will help. But David Hayes has said previously the mile would be his best trip.

Carnero: Well beaten in Guineas but don't jump off him for the Derby. Shapes as though he will stay all day.