Just before 2:05 tomorrow afternoon, Eastern Australian Summer Time, the runners will be loaded away for the G1 2400m BMW Caulfield Cup. The $2,500,000 event will see a host of Melbourne Cup contenders not only vie for the cash, but a place in the big one to run on the first Tuesday in November. Two previous MC winners in Americain and Dunaden top the weights at 58kgs, but neither are expected to be at their best over this trip. Americain, who has been transferred back into the hands of De Royer-Dupre, is at the moment quoted at 18-1. Dalzangles' Dunaden on the other hand is 13-2 shot. Favourite for the race is the Waterhouse trained Glencadam Gold who seems to have grown another leg since he arrived here form Europe. He's been backed off the map for the MC. After drawing an extremely wide barrier, his rider Jim "Pumper" Cassidy had a few words to say about the handicapping. He wasn't happy about the way the authorities have taken steps to compress the weights in these major races, in an effort to keep the international flavour. It means that the likes of Glencadam Gold will recieve just 4.5 kgs from the two top weights. The horse is an on pace type, so the connections are not too worried by the up country slot. Luca Cumani's Quest For Piece with Cory Brown in the saddle has drawn the two hole and is expected to be close in running and is at around the 11-1 mark. After being beaten 9L by St Nicholas Abbey in the G1 Jubilee Coronation Cup over 2400m at Epsom in early June, the horse then failed in the G2 Hardwicke before winning the G3 Glorious Stakes and the Listed March Stakes. Cumani has a pretty good record in Australia, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see the horse run well. He's an 11-1 chance. Another interesting runner is Jakkalberry. The Botti trained horse has had an international preperation for his trip downunder. Third with Ryan Moore in the plate in the Dubai Nad Al Sheba Trophy, Third in the Sheema Classic, fifth in the hardwicke and a win at Arlington when ridden by Colm O'Donoghue. Others with American form are Winchester, the winner of 6 races and $1,746,000 and the Cummings trained Senagas who has won half of his 14 races but only $288,000. His quality of form has to be questioned, but he may have ability. Throw in the likes of December Draw, last year's winner Southern Speed, the Zabeel mare Lights Of Heaven and it looks like a nice race. There is a wild card in here though. The John Gosden trained Gatewood, the second emergency. If he can manage to scrape into the race, he might run really well. He had been backed for a motza in the Melbourne Cup, but is about 40th in the order of merit. If he misses the Caulfield Cup, he'll head up country for the G3 Geelong Cup on the 24th, a race he must win to recieve a weight penalty. This hopeful will be enough to raise him well past the spot at which he now stands.
I appreciate this analysis Cyc as i've been watching the Australian racing whilst feeding my latest arrival at anytime between 2 and 4 in the morning....whilst the wife gets a sleep of course....she has been wondering why ive been so keen to do this particular shift....hope shes not logging in to 606!
Good on ya Ardent. Hope all is fantastic with the young one. Been 34 years since I did the night shift, and it still seems like yesterday. Great memories. Before the baby is born, the thought of getting up in the middle of the night is horrible, but when it all actually happens, it's no big deal. Enjoy it mate, they grow up fast.
Just a point Ardent, you might want to keep an eye on the first four or five home. Often the MC winner will come from these.
Got it here: http://www.racingnetwork.com.au/Vision/RaceReplaySearch/tabid/108/Default.aspx#2012-10-20: - select Caulfield race 8 under the video box Awesome ride from the jockey and a tremendous performance from the horse, really really impressive.
Oddy: Incredible performance by Dunaden. Wow, very impressive. I kept the URL for this website on my 'Favourites' bar ever since Cyc put it up a long time ago. Really great for reviewing Australian racing. Cyc: Did not do my 'fair share' of the night shift (often away abroad working) but certainly did some. Up all night once in Holland when baby daughter had a bad cold, while the Wife slept peacefully having told me 'it's nothing serious'. Huh!! Oh, excuse my sublime ignorance, but what on earth does 'backed for a motza' mean? please log in to view this image Ardent: Can only reiterate what Cyc said, i.e. 'Enjoy it mate, they grow up fast." BTW, hope you've shaken-off this 'SA inference' idiot. Sometimes I thank my lucky stars I do not use Twitter or Facebook.
Tks Cyc, just learnt some Australian! (Haven't 'backed for a motza in years', but I have done once or twice in my life!).
Dunaden was a mighty performance!! Jongleur I have no clue about the twitter episode I blocked that account but for all I know the beast may be following me under some other handle! Who's knows..to try not to care is the answer. The latest member of my family is doing well he's my fourth my oldest is 14...your so right the time flies in. There will be no more...although they are all good!!
