Spring watch

We take a look at how your spring spruik fared on Saturday and what it all means for Melbourne's big races.

Littorio: Confirmed he is more than just a handicapper with his win in the Turnbull. A dual-Derby placegetter last season, the step up to 2400m can only be of benefit to him. Odds are a touch skinny as others meet him better at the weights at Caulfield.

Master O'Reilly: Danny O'Brien has this horse spot on for back-to-back Caulfield Cup wins after his second in Turnbull. He's had a light preparation - Saturday was only his second run back - so will have more room for improvement than others. Extra distance a plus.

Zipping: Excellent performance. Had only one behind him at the 400 and stormed home for third. Ran the fastest closing sectionals in the race. Drops to 55kg in the Caulfield Cup and is a high-class stayer.

Pompeii Ruler: Another solid run for fourth. Took over from Maldivian but no match in the closing stages for Littorio, who had a 5.5kg weight pull. Running again in the Yalumba next week, and trainer hinted he wanted the Cox Plate more than the Caulfield Cup.

Guillotine: Drops to only 51kg in the Caulfield Cup but raced ungenerously in the Turnbull. Needs to learn how to settle otherwise it will be a long 2400m.

Maldivian: Hit the front but again weakened in the final stages. Trainer contemplating a gear change but not what he was 12 months ago. Is he better ridden cold and saved for one late burst?

Weekend Hussler: Ran below expectation on Saturday, but was trapped wide without cover. Reluctant to dismiss him on that run but would also be wary of backing him in the Caulfield Cup if he gets another wide barrier. Not convinced that he can't stay.

Efficient: Out the back early and made steady ground in the straight. Kept on finding the line and did enough to show he was on track for the Melbourne Cup.

Zagreb: Settled out the back and that's where he stayed in the Turnbull. A one-paced stayer not suited by weight-for-age style of racing. Will appreciate a fast run Caulfield Cup where he carries no weight. Melbourne Cup is his best race.

Kibbutz: Finished eighth against second-tier stayers in The Bart Cummings, albeit with 58.5kg. Will strip fitter for the run and can improve sharply next time. But he would have to.

Princess Coup: Another barnstorming win in New Zealand. Has been aimed specifically for the Cox Plate. Has not raced at the Valley but was given a pipe-opener there in the autumn. A deserved Plate favourite.

Samantha Miss: Another dominant win against three-year-old fillies in Sydney on Saturday. Has only 47.5kg in the Cox Plate and gives every indication she can handle 2040m. Glen Boss the favourite to take the ride.

Nom Du Jeu: Again filled a minor placing behind Princess Coup. Did beat Littorio in the AJC Derby this year so 2400m won't be a problem. Had he been running in Melbourne would be much shorter than $21.