Cosmic Crusader leads betting for Underwood Stakes

Cosmic Crusader enters the Group 1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield as the betting favourite. The Western Australian horse, ridden by William Pike, is priced at approximately $2.50 to $2.70 for the 1800m race.

The race follows recent criticism of Pike’s performance during the Memsie Stakes, where some analysts described his riding as “inept” and “too passive.” Pike has defended his approach, stating that analysts should “stay out of telling people where and how they should ride their horse.”

Other notable contenders in the field include Lindermann, priced at $2.80, and Birdman at $4.40 to $4.60. Buckaroo is also listed among the leading contenders with odds around $9.00 to $9.50.