Judgement Day has finally arrived for Cosmic Crusader and William Pike with proud Western Australian punters defending the Group 1 combination ahead of the $1 million Underwood Stakes (1800m) against a social media onslaught.

Cosmic Crusader collected both the Bletchingly (1200m) and P B Lawrence (1400m) at his first two Victorian runs before finishing a closing third in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) three weeks ago.

But Pike’s Memsie ride drew the ire of many interstate knockers, saying the steer lacked intent and forfeited any winning claims.

‘’I want to be very critical here. I thought the ride from Pike was inept in a Group 1 race… it was a ride of a fly in, fly out rider,” SEN’s analyst Trav Noonan said in the wash-up.

“He didn’t work the map. He rode, I thought, just way too passive.’’

When this weekend’s barrier draw was released on Wednesday – with Cosmic Crusader faring ideally in gate three – Pike hit back in winning post-race interview.

“We’ve drawn a plum alley. Better check with all the guru and let them know what my speed map is. I get my chance,’’ Pike said.

WA’s hoop par excellence doubled down on Thursday after another success at Bunbury.

“It’s just one of those things. Form analysts and things, sure, they’ve got a job to do, but I think they should stay out of telling people where and how they should ride their horse. It’s none of their business,” Pike said.

‘’We’re supplying entertainment. We’re supplying them with a job at the end of the day. Do your form and let the rest unfold.”

Support on social media has largely been divided in an east versus west debate with many parochial Sandgropers rushing to the Wizard’s support.

Cosmic Crusader is a warm $2.50 fancy for the Caulfield feature ahead of Lindermann ($2.80), who also drew suitably in barrier one.

Birdman ($4.40) and Buckaroo ($9.50), two stayers from the Chris Waller yard, are clearly rated the next best winning chances.

Later on the card, Lady Shenandoah ($5f) leads the call for the Group 1 $1 million Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) from Regal Award ($6.50), Angel Capital ($7.50) and Evaporate ($9).

+ Royal Toronado ($2.40f) is a firm favourite to salute in the $100,000 TABtouch Stakes (1600m) at Belmont having performed well when runner-up to Too Dardy ($5) in the Farnley Stakes (1400m) a fortnight ago.

However, this time, Royal Toronado will meet Too Dardy two kilos better at the weights and should appreciate the rise in distance.

Four-year-old mare Searchin’ Times ($4.20) splits the two in betting, while chances are also given to Arcadia Park ($7) and Correct Choice ($8.50).

+ Autumn Glow ($1.16) is a hot favourite to continue her winning campaign in the Group 2 Seven Sunrise Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.