Caulfield Cup 2013 Field

Will the Chris Waller juggernaut continue into Victoria this weekend? Sydney’s premier trainer holds a strong hand with two of his four runners, Hawkspur and Royal Descent heading the betting at $4.80 and $6.50 respectively. As always, a couple of overseas runners, or gallopers relatively new to our shores – Dandino, Waldpark, Jet Away etc -create plenty of interest and will be hoping to build on the solid record that the internationals have established over recent years in this race. As always, it is sure to be a fantastic race and signals the start of the biggest month on the Australian racing calendar.

[include file=”inpost_adrotator.php”]

Caulfield Cup Form Guide

1. MANIGHAR – L Nolen (11)

After a successful 2012 that saw the son of Linamix record three consecutive Group 1 wins (Ranvet, BMW and Australian Cup), his 2013 form, which consists of nine starts, has been indifferent. He needed several starts during the Sydney carnival in the autumn and a trip to Queensland, before producing something like his best form when fourth in the G1 Doomben Cup (2000m) and a nose second to Quintessential in the G2 Eagle Farm Cup (2200m) before being spelled. Returning from his break, he ran an encouraging sixth of fourteen in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) before a better effort again when fifth of twelve (beaten 1.2 lengths) in the G1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) behind It’s A Dundeel and Atlantic Jewel. That effort indicated the Peter Moody trained galloper might’ve been on the verge of producing his best however, at his most recent start, in the G1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) where drawing wide, he settled at the tail of the field and made no impression in the run home, finishing second to last and over a dozen lengths from the winner. Not the kind of performance you want to see heading into a race such as this.

2. DANDINO – C Williams (19)

After preparing Jakkalberry to run third in last year’s Melbourne Cup behind Green Moon, Newmarket (UK) based trainer Marc Botti returns to Australia with Dandino, a 7yo stallion by Dansili (same sire as Foreteller). Dandino has been sparingly raced having only had three starts since finishing seventh (beaten 3 lengths) behind Red Cadeaux in last December’s G1 Hong Kong Vase (2400m). His most recent start came nine weeks ago and resulted in an impressive half length victory in Arlington (US) St. Leger (2716m). He overcame trouble at the top of the straight before letting down strongly over the final furlong. That took his overall record to eight wins from twenty-five starts and with his previous two efforts this year resulting in close seconds in G2 races (both over 2414m) there’s enough to like about his chance here.

3. ETHIOPIA – R McLeod (14)

This Pat Carey trained 5yo hasn’t had a conventional racing career but it’s been a successful one all the same. He broke his maiden status at his third race start by winning the Australian Derby (2400m) and run a terrific fourth, at only his third run back from a spell, in last year’s G1 Cox Plate (2040m) behind Ocean Park. Again, he tackles one of Australia’s biggest races at this, his third run back from a twenty week spell. He was excellent first up when fifth (beaten 3.1 lengths) in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) before finishing last in the G1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at his most recent start. The slow track and sit and sprint tactics did not suit him last start and whilst his best performances have been at this stage of his preparation, can’t bring myself to include him here.

4. WALDPARK – B Avdulla (8)

Former German galloper who now races under the Australian Bloodstock banner, who posses a highly successful strike rate when sourcing overseas gallopers to compete in Australian (Mawingo G1 winner, Lucas Cranach G2 winner and 3^rd in 2011 Melbourne Cup). This 7yo by Mamool has been brought along steadily in his three Australian starts by his trainer Anthony Freedman. He made his Australian debut with a solid eighth (beaten 3 ¾) behind Foreteller in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) before getting too far back on a slow track in the G1 Underwood Stakes (1800m), a race dominated by the leading pair It’s A Dundeel and Atlantic Jewel. Surprisingly, he was then taken to the Benalla Cup (2046m) where, under the hefty weight of 62kgs, he steadily made ground from the tail of the field to run fifth, almost eight lengths behind winner Flying Hussler. Flying Hussler was well accounted for in last Sunday’s Cranbourne Cup but on the plus for this horse is that he gets beyond 2000m for the first time in Australia, drops nicely to 56kgs and can boast a head second to Novellist earlier this year.

5. GLENCADAM GOLD – T Berry (6)

After winning his first five starts in Australia, including the G1 The Metropolitan (2400m), the son of Refuse to Bend lined up in this race last year as the $4.40 favourite. He led from a wide gate and weakened badly in the straight, running thirteenth before bouncing back with a gutsy effort, again when leading, to hang on for sixth in the Melbourne Cup. Since then the Gai Waterhouse runner has only had five starts with the pick of them clearly being his second to Moriarty in the G2 Hill Stakes (2000m) two starts back. His other four starts, including his most recent effort in the G1 Turnbull Stakes, have seen him finish well off the pace. Couldn’t win it last year and his lead-up from was much, much better than this year’s.

6. MR. MOET – H Bowman (10)

The Perth galloper was in fine form over the Christmas/New Year period in his home-state, winning the G2 C. B. Cox Stakes (2100m) before a ¾ length second to Talent Show in the Perth Cup (2400m). He then travelled to Victoria during the autumn and produced fantastic runs to secure placings in both the G1 C F Orr Stakes (1400m) and G2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) behind All Too Hard and Foreteller respectively. He’s had three runs back this preparation and his form is better than it reads. He had little luck in the run first up in the G1 Makybe Diva (1600m) when ninth (beaten 3.4 lengths), then got too far back in a slowly run Underwood Stakes (1800m) when eighth (beaten 3.8 lengths) His most recent start saw him close well behind Mourinho in the G3 JRA Cup (2040m) at Moonee Valley, finishing fourth (beaten 4 ¾ lengths). Mourinho led throughout in that win and has been good since, running third in the Cranbourne Cup last Sunday behind Pakal. He has carried 59kgs and drawn wide in each run this prep so he’ll enjoy the weight relief here and better gate.

7. FAWKNER – N Hall (12)

The son of Reset has been a consistent improver over the course of his nineteen start career. He caught the eye when finishing well in both the G3 Tramway Stakes (seventh, beaten 2 lenths) and fifth in the WFA G1 George Main Stakes (1600m) when fifth (beaten 2 ¼ lengths) behind Streama and Royal Descent. He then stepped out in the G1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) last Saturday week at Flemington, only the third time in his career that he has attempted an event at that distance, and produced probably his best career effort to date. He was afforded a lovely run in transit and moved up to the leaders as they field straightened, leaving himself in front with well over 300m to run. He dug deep and was only caught in the shadows of the post by eventual winner Happy Trails and Puissance De Lune. Better for having had that run at 2000m.

8. JET AWAY – D Oliver (13)

Former European galloper who joined David Hayes’ Eurora stables late last year with a record of six wins from sixteen starts in the UK including, a dominate 2 ¾ length win over Fiorente in the Listed Red Festival Stakes (1985m) in May of last year. Hayes didn’t produce the Cape Cross stallion until March this year where he impressively won the Golden Mile at Ballarat, finishing hard from the tail of the field to defeat Zabisco by 1 ¼ length.
He immediately backed that up, as 11/8 favourite, by winning the G3 Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield before being spelled. His only start since was a very good effort in the G1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) a fortnight ago. He was closing steadily in the straight before being severely hampered over the concluding stages and whilst finishing seventh, was only 1.9 lengths from the winner, Happy Trails. No doubt he should have finished close last start and he can only be better for that run. Has plenty of ability.

9. KELINNI – S Arnold (1)

The 6yo was in fine form this time last year winning the G3 Lexus Stakes (2500m) on Derby Day before a career best effort when fourth behind Green Moon in the Melbourne Cup (3200m). Since then, the Chris Waller trained galloper has been a few lengths off the pace in his attempts at taking on WFA races with his best performances in the last twelve months, coming in the two races he has competed in under Handicap conditions – victory in the G3 JRA Plate and sixth in the G1 Sydney Cup. He has had three start back this time in, all at WFA with the most recent of them seeing him finish last of seven in the G3 Craven Plate (2000m) beaten 3 ¾ lengths. That was his first run in a month and whilst he’s better suited to this trip and the handicap conditions but just do not think he is going as well as he as previously.

10. MORIARTY – C Newitt (18)

He rounded out a very successful winter campaign with victory in the G2 Brisbane Cup (2400m) before being spelled. The former import has had four runs back from his winter spell, claiming the G2 Hill Stakes at his third up run before finishing well behind Seville and Julienas (fifth, beaten 1.4 lengths) in the G1 The Metropolitan (2400m) a fortnight ago. The quinella in that race dominated from up on the speed and his effort, after running into some traffic at a crucial stage on the point of the turn, was good. Last year’s Brisbane Cup winner, Lights Of Heaven, ran third in the 2012 Caulfield Cup after very similar preparation to which Moriarty has followed.
Thought he may have been a light weight chance prior to the barrier draw.

11. MY QUEST FOR PEACE – C Brown (4)

Former European galloper who was in some very solid form when his then trainer, Luca Cumani brought him to Australia last year for this race. From a good draw, he had every chance in the run and finished fifth, 1.6 lengths behind winner Dunaden. He then failed in the Melbourne Cup and was subsequently transferred to local Trainer Peter Moody. Moody has had the Galileo 6yo for four starts, three of which interestingly, have been at or below 1400m, distances well below his best. His last run, just over three weeks ago now and only his second from a twelve week spell, was a tenth of fourteen in the G1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) where he plugged his way home off the slow pace and wet track. Unique preparation has been set for him for this year’s race but think it’s a challenge that he will find too hard to meet.

12. HAWKSPUR – J Cassidy (16)

The 4yo from Chris Waller’s stables blossomed during the Brisbane winter carnival and dominated his age group by winning the G3 Rough Habit (2100m), G3 Grand Prix (2200m) and QLD Derby (2400m) in consecutive starts before being spelled. He continued to improve after the short break and has returned with four strong efforts, including an impressive 3 ¼ length win in the G2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) three starts back. His two subsequent since have resulted in a closing fourth (beaten 2.1 lengths) behind the in-form Streama in the G1 George Main Stakes (1600m) where he came from last in a race dominated by those up front and at his most recent run, was a luckless fifth (beaten only 0.6 lengths) when again from last, he tried to find a way home close to the fence in the G1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m). With clear running, he would’ve gone close to winning last start and it’s hard to fault any of recent efforts.

13. JULIENAS – K McEvoy (15)

There might be a question mark over the class of this 7yo by Cape Cross at this level, but certainly none over his staying ability or commitment. The Gai Waterhouse trained runner followed his third placing (carrying 59kgs) in the G3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m), his third run back from a spell, with a solid all-the-way win in the G3 Colin Stephen Quality (2400m) were again, he was allocated top weight of 59kgs. Fit and in-form, he lined up in the G1 Metropolitan Handicap and, with only 55kgs to carry, he was well supported at $6.00 in betting. Again he led and in another tough front-running effort, was able to hold off all bar Seville, who had had a lovely run behind Julienas throughout. Waterhouse won this race in 2010 with Descarado – a galloper with a similar racing pattern but the draw makes it hard for him.

14. MR. O’CEIRIN – D Dunn (20)

He secured his place in this year’s Caulfield Cup with an all-the-way win in the G3 Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at this course two starts back, where he was afforded a very cheap lead. That was his third win in six starts which also includes this year’s Listed Grafton Cup (2350m) He found the quality of the field and temp of his next and most recent start, the G1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) not as easy and from a handy position, weakened over the concluding stages to run tenth (beaten 3 ¾ lengths) behind Happy Trails. Carried 55.5kgs in the Turnbull so not as attractively weighted as some of his competitors here and would think for him to competitive at this level, he’ll need to have some cut out of the track.

15. SILENT ACHIEVER – G Boss (5)

The New Zealand mare, trained by Roger James, has been excellent in three runs back from a spell and gives every indication that she’s ready to produce her best here.
The daughter of O’Reilly was luckless first up in the G1 Memsie Stakes behind Atlantic Jewel before being one of only a few who were able to make ground in the run home behind It’s A Dundeel in the G1 Underwood Stakes (1800m), beaten 2.2 lengths. She drew wide and settled at the tail of the field in the G1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at her most recent start but made her run home with the in-form Fiorente and finished sixth, beaten 1.6 lengths. Fourth up last preparation she ran a head second to Fiveandahalfstar in the G1 The BMW (2400m) on a slow track. Has only the one win and two placings from eleven starts in Australia but think she is going better than she ever has.

16. ROYAL DESCENT – N Rawiller (4)

The Redoute’s Choice mare signalled her arrival as a future star with a comprehensive ten length victory in last season’s ATC Oaks (2400m) after which she was immediately spelled. In four runs back from that break, she has certainly lived up to expectations recording close placings in both the G3 Toy Show Quality (1300m) and G3 Tramway Stakes (1400m) at her first two runs in before a game head second to in-form Streama in the G1 George Main Stakes (1600m). The Chris Waller trained mare’s most recent start was in the G1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) where she started a solidly supported 15/2. She found plenty of traffic in the early parts of the straight and check and, after suffering a check at the 200m mark, her jockey let her run to the line under her own accord and she finished eleventh, four lengths form the winner. She’s clearly better than that effort and can bounce back here.

17. TUSCAN FIRE – L Currie (2)

The Dan O’Sullivan trained galloper was in fine form last preparation with the highlight of his campaign being a strong 2 ¾ length win in the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m). He returned from a twenty-two week spell by surprising connections – and punters alike when at 100/1, he stormed home out wide to an Open handicap at Flemington (1400m). Whilst he hasn’t been able to record a place in four subsequent runs, the 7yo has contested some of the top races including, at his most recent start, the G1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m). He drew the widest of sixteen barriers and in that company at set weights, the task was always going to be huge one for him. He finished thirteenth and over eight lengths from the winner. Better suited here to the handicap conditions and this is his best distance however, as was the case last start, this being a Group 1 race the class well test him.

18. DEAR DEMI – J McDonald (22)

Despite only just having turned 4, this tough Dehere mare is lining up for start number twenty-seven of which she has won six including last year’s VRC Oaks. After a disappointing effort as $2.90 favourite in the G1 Qld Oaks in June, trainer Clarry Conners spelled his mare and brought her back to racing in the G2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) at Flemington three starts ago. From the tail of the field she made plenty of ground late, extended nicely over the final furlong to run seventh, 2 ½ lengths from Commanding Jewel. She then took on G1 Open company for the first time in the Underwood Stakes (1800m). She settled in behind the leader’s from a good draw and in a pace with little pace, was perfectly placed as they swung for home. She ran third, less than a length from It’s A Dundeel and Atlantic Jewel. Her next and most recent start was the G1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) and despite drawing well again, got back in the run this time and found traffic in the straight. She finished mid-field of sixteen runners, 2.7 lengths from Happy Trails. She is honest but faces too much of a task from the widest gate.

19. FORGOTTEN VOICE (1^st EM) – B Prebble (7)

The 9yo by Danehill Dancer’s has won both of his last two starts in his native United Kingdom. He come from mid-field in the field of fifteen to claim the Listed Wolferton Handicap (2000m) before at his next and most recent start eleven weeks ago, coming from last in the small field of six to win the G3 Glorious Stakes (2414m) by half a length under 57kgs. Last year’s Glorious Stakes winner was My Quest For Peace (ran fifth in last year’s Caulfield Cup) and filling the places were Dandino and Gatewood (won last year’s Geelong Cup). The 2011 edition was taken out by Drunken Sailor who ran an unlucky seventh behind Southern Speed in that year’s Caulfield Cup, so the Glorious Stakes has been a good form

20. SNEAK A PEEK (2^nd EM) – (17)

We only saw this former Italian galloper, who is now with Peter Moody, briefly over four starts last spring. On each occasion he lined up in a top race, including last year’s Caulfield Cup (finished eights @ $15.00) but found himself a couple of lengths off the place-getters each run. He had a decent spell of forty-four week, allowing him to fully acclimatise and he’s came back with four starts this prep, steadily improving at each. After a close up fourth in the G2 Hill Stakes (2000m) two runs back, he chased Seville and Julienas valiantly in the G1 Metropolitan Handicap and finished less than a length from that pair away in third. Last couple have been good and he’s improving with each run but just have a query over him at this elite level.

21. IBICENCO (3^rd EM)- Scratched

22. OASIS BLOOM (4^th EM) – (21)

Smart filly from last season who claimed the G2 Stocks Stakes and run fourth, beaten less than a length, in the G1 Myer Classic behind Appearance. She returned after almost a year away from the track and has taken a few runs to find her feet this time in as she returns off the lengthy lay-off and also tries her hand at staying races for the first time. Her last effort, second to Sea Moon in the G2 Herbert Power, suggests she’s back to her best and whilst she may not be up to this level just yet, there’ll be a good staying race in her over the carnival.

RACE OVERVIEW

In recent years, this race hasn’t been kind to favourites. Master O’Reilly (2007) was the last favourite to have saluted the judge. This year’s favourite Hawkspur really hasn’t put a foot wrong in the past six months. Whilst in a race of his calibre from a poor draw, we may baulk at the $4.80, it’s impossible to leave him out. In similarly strong form is Silent Achiever. Her lead up form has been very strong and further enhancing her chances will be her good draw (gate 5) and the services of big race jockey Boss. Moving onto the international contenders, including those who arrived last year, Dandino’s last start win was impressive. What appealed most was that he was able to race tightly, overcome a check at a vital stage, but let down well when balanced and clear. They are qualities possessed by good horse and ones that will serve him well here. Jet Away was excellent first up in the Turnball. He’ll be fitter again and has Damien Oliver onboard, winner of four Caulfield Cups.

1. SILENT ACHIEVER
2. HAWKSPUR
3. DANDINO
4. JET AWAY

In the News:

Chris Waller was the Caulfield Cup trainer with the most to win but even more to lose at Wednesday’s barrier draw for the $2.5 million race.

In the end, he has no cause for complaint despite admitting he was thinking the worst for top fancy Hawkspur, Oaks-winning mare Royal Descent and his remaining runners Moriarty and Kelinni.

Just as he has two of the favourites in Hawkspur and Royal Descent and two of the outsiders with Moriarty and Kelinni, the barrier draw has also ensured his quartet is divided into pairs.

Kelinni has the rails with Royal Descent in gate three while further out Hawkspur has stall 16 and Moriarty barrier 18.

“I think, overall, the draw has worked out pretty well for us,” Waller told AAP.

“When you are worrying about a barrier draw you think `what if they all draw bad’. Two of them did, which I’ve since seen positives from.”

Uppermost in the thoughts of Waller – and backers of the long-time favourite Hawkspur – is the Queensland Derby winner’s gate.

Jockey Jim Cassidy wanted to discuss the draw with Waller – but that was before the trainer thought it best to leave tactics up to the rider who is on the cusp of winning his 100th Group One race.

“I’m not going to interfere with what Jim wants to do,” Waller said.

“He is the right horse who is tractable enough to be where he needs to be.”

Which is a good thing for Cassidy who is chasing his third Caulfield Cup triumph 16 years after his first, which came with an all-the-way win on Might And Power.

“I don’t worry about barrier draws because there’s nothing I can do about them,” Cassidy said.