Saturday's $140,000 Bel Esprit Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield looms as a defining race for a host of sprinters heading towards the Group 1 TAB Classic and Group 1 Goodwood in Adelaide next month.

Trainer and jockey quotes after the Robert Taranto Handicap at Caulfield won by Sword Of Mercy.

Trainer and jockey quotes following the Benchmark 84 Mia Tiernan Handicap won by Sword Of Mercy at Caulfield on Saturday.

Trainer and jockey quotes after Sword Of Mercy wins the G.H. Mumm Benchmark 78 Christmas Plate at Flemington on Saturday.