Dunaden has come from near last to win the Caulfield Cup for 2012. The reigning Melbourne Cup winner carried the top weight of 58kgs but proved too strong in the $2.5m handicap.
The French-trained galloper produced a barnstorming finish to win comfortably from locally-trained gallant gallopers Alcopop and Lights Of Heaven.
Upon arrival in Australia, Dunaden injured a hoof and was in serious doubt for the Caulfield Cup but he recovered sufficiently to take his place in the field.
Even on Monday, his trainer Mikel Delzangles expressed concerns about the horse’s preparation, saying Dunaden was still one week further behind in his work than where he needed to be.
Furthermore, Dunaden wasn’t expected to come to the Spring Carnival because his connections had initially chosen to race the horse in this month’s Arc de Triomphe in Paris but the plan was aborted in time for the seven-year old to make the journey to Melbourne.
From his wide barrier Dunaden was taken back to the tail of the field by Williams but produced a strong finish to pass the field in the home straight.
Second place-getter Alcopop looked set for victory after he shot clear at the top of the running but was caught late. It’s the eight-year old’s best ever performance.
Alcopop’s career had stagnated for several seasons after the Jake Stephen’s trained galloper failed to consistently repeat the form that saw him finish sixth when favourite in the 2009 Melbourne Cup.
Third place-getter Lights Of Heaven took a late gap to fill the minor placing. It is trainer Peter Moody’s first top-three finish in an Australian major.
In encouraging signs for his Melbourne Cup tilt, 2010 winner Americain finished powerfully to grab fourth, while there was plenty of merit in the run of fifth-placegetter My Quest For Peace who sweated-up badly before the start.
Pre-race favourites Glencadam Gold and December Draw tired in the straight after racing on a fast tempo.
Results – Caulfield Cup (2400m, Group One, handicap)
First – Dunaden (SP $14)
Second – Alcopop ($16)
Third – Lights Of Heaven ($11)
Fourth – Americain
Fifth – My Quest For Peace
Sixth – Zabeelionaire
Seventh – Folding Gear
Eighth – Sneak A Peek
Last – Voilà Ici
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