Fourteen runners remain in contention for this afternoon’s Group 2 PB Lawrence (1400m) at Caulfield Racecourse, and the race is understandably continuing to herald major interest in betting markets in the hours leading up to jump.

The Darren Weir-trained Mahuta opened as an outright $4.40 favourite in 2016 PB Lawrence Stakes betting markets with leading online bookie Ladbrokes.com.au, but has been back into $3.80 odds.

Mahuta stormed onto the Australian racing scene via and impressive spring and summer campaign, but returned to the paddock in early March after beating only one runner home in his major target; the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m).

Having resumed for a credible third in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) a fortnight ago, Weir is confident the Flying Spur gelding will strip fitter for his run this afternoon, and it may therefor prove lucrative to consider horses around the four-year-old in PB Lawrence Stakes betting markets.

Awesome Rock ($13) was unlucky not to post a maiden win at the highest level in autumn, and has continued to herald the greatest share of attention in PB Lawrence Stakes betting markets; figuring as clear market mover after opening at $34 odds.

Posting two race wins and a further seven minors through nineteen career starts so far, Awesome Rock capped a typically smart spring campaign in 2015 with success in the Listed Symphony Stakes (1800m) on Melbourne Cup Day.

Clearly requiring a run when resuming this year for 12^th in the CF Orr Stakes (1400m) on February 13^th, the Fastnet Rock entire progressed to fourth in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) before crossing the line first in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m); later judged to have impeded the run of Preferment and was bumped back to second.

While failing to handle the heavy going in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) in April most recently, Awesome Rock is drawn ideally in barrier 4 this afternoon and will be partnered by regular hoop Stephen Baster.

The Ciaron Maher-trained Set Square and Jameka are both capable of strong first-up performances and are over the 2016 PB Lawrence Stakes odds at double figure quotes.

Set Square has not been seen at the races in 2016 so far, but she has reportedly trained on well in the lead up to the PB Lawrence Stakes.

Jameka is currently available at 2016 PB Lawrence Stakes odds of $14 in the Enhanced Odds market at Ladbrokes and should find an ideal position in running from barrier 7, with leading hoop Craig Williams in the saddle.

The Cleaner arguably remains the best value in 2016 PB Lawrence Stakes betting markets, however.

Unlucky to finish a close second in the race in 2015, the Savoire Vivre gelding will inject break-neck speed into the PB Lawrence Stakes from the outset and will be tough to run down in the race’s dying stages.

Open an and bet with Ladbrokes.com.au to take advantage of the best 2016 PB Lawrence Stakes odds!

2016 PB Lawrence Stakes Late Mail Tips

1. The Cleaner
2. Jameka
3. Suavito