The 2012 Caulfield Cup is the most famous 2400m race in the Southern Hemisphere and a well-travelled field has assembled in Melbourne for the $2.5m handicap. Join us on The Roar as we build-up to the 4.05pm AEDT start time.
Yesterday I went through the field for the Caulfield Cup in a runner-by-runner preview. There is plenty of quality and many winning chances in the line-up.
In that preview I didn’t speak much about the barriers but with favourites Glencadam Gold and Dunaden drawing wide, the most pivotal part of the race could be in the first 30 seconds.
It promises to be a fantastic Caulfield Cup.
The weather in Melbourne for this bumper meeting is predicted to be fine and the track should improve from an initial rating of dead. By the time the Cup is run, the course is expected to be in the ‘good’ range.
Supporting the Caulfield Cup is nine other races and there are some pretty exciting types going around. The best credentialed runner outside of the Cup is Mosheen, who runs in the Tristarc (1400m, Group Two, mares) at 4.50pm AEDT.
The four-time Group One winner will be looking to record consecutive victories after returning to the winner’s circle at Flemington last time (1410, Group Two, mares). Mosheen is on a path to Derby Day’s Myer Classic (1600m, Group One, mares).
The most interesting entrant all day is rising star Howmuchdoyouloveme who races in the Caulfield Sprint (1100m, Group Two, handicap) at 2.40pm AEDT.
The Con Karakatsanis –trained galloper was the most emphatic victor in July’s Ramornie Handicap (1200m, Listed, handicap) at Grafton since Takeover Target in 2004.
Howmuchdoyouloveme has only suffered defeat once in five starts and like Takeover Target will be looking to announce his arrival as an elite-level performer at his first Spring Carnival.
Takeover Target progressed from the Ramornie to win the Salinger (1200m, Group One, handicap) on Derby Day before taking the world by storm. By the end of his career Takeover Target had claimed Group races in England, Singapore, Japan, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne.
Howmuchdoyouloveme may not turn out to be as good as Takeover Target but he’s shown enough in the early part of his career to indicate a bright future.
In the Norman Robinson (2000m, Group Three, three-year olds) at 12.45pm AEDT leading Victoria Derby (2500m, Group One, three-year olds) chances step out.
Gai Waterhouse trains the favourite Kabayan and she will be hoping for a good start to the day. Later in the afternoon, racing’s first lady will saddle up Caulfield Cup market leader Glencadam Gold.
The day’s other highlights include the Group Three Moonga (1400m, handicap) at 2.00pm AEDT where Emirates Stakes (1600m, Group One, handicap) aspirants step out, while the David Jones Cup (2000m, Group Three, handicap) is a traditional consolation prize for those who weren’t good enough to make the Caulfield Cup field.
johnb747b
Guest
In nearly 50 years of watching racing I have never seen a ride as well-judged as that displayed by Williams. OK, so he had a good one under him but his judgment was incredible. Moore... Mulley... Breasley,,, and the rest... Could Williams be the best ever? The aerial clip shows his brilliance best of all. Look where the horse was 600m out. Un... effing... believable!
Shaun
Guest
I think Dunaden's proven today that the Melbourne Cup is his to lose, as long as he's got Craig Williams on his back. He'll strip fitter and he's likely to get a much better barrier. It'll be a ripper of a race between him and Americain. Feel sorry for the punters who got their fingers burned on Glencadam and December.
johnny nevin is a legend
Guest
This horse is 3-4 lengths behind the best European 2400m horses in Danedream, Nathaniel and Snow Fairy. The fact that he won this race at top weight and 3 from the back with 500m from the finish shows how poor the opposition was. I heard the Channel 9 commentator say that Dunaden has now won 7 million dollars, this is fantastic for a horse of his ability. More European trainers should seriously consider sending their horses down here, its easy money compared to back home.
Jason Cave
Guest
And not only that, but which barrier will he be drawn in for the Melbourne Cup. It's probably a good idea to wait until the Geelong Cup and the Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington before getting a much clearer idea of who to back for the 2012 Emirates Melbourne Cup. But, at this stage, Dunaden has made out a strong case of why he should win the Emirates Melbourne Cup.
Justin Cinque
Expert
Well done!
lozza
Guest
Thankfully yes mate - i did become a little wobbly this morning, but then i do get burnt when i change my mind.
Justin Cinque
Expert
So that's it for today. Dunaden wins a brilliant Caulfield Cup. Join us again on The Roar.
Justin Cinque
Expert
Yes that's right lozza. You can't beat class. Did you stick with Dunaden?
lozza
Guest
Fabulous Justin - the thing that really stood out was the runs by the two class horses.
Justin Cinque
Expert
Yeah! But is he really not good enough for the Arc? I mean off that run he's up there with the best stayers in the world. He wouldn't be disgraced in an Arc.
Justin Cinque
Expert
Yes...but he will get a penalty. He may have to carry 60kgs in the Melbourne Cup. But why can't he?
Jason Cave
Guest
I reckon Dunaden gave possibly the best Melbourne Cup trial run today. Craig Williams did an outstanding job. When you watch the replay on either TVN's 'Trackside Today' or 'Racing Review', take note of where Dunaden is as they come around the turn heading into the finish. Dunaden must surely be backed into first or second favourite for the Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday in November after a win like that.
Tim
Guest
Not good enough for the Arc, but seriously he is in the top group of stayers in the world. Great win, great ride, all class. Imagine if he was right and not a week behind!
Justin Cinque
Expert
Actually only once. In his first prep 40 months ago.
Justin Cinque
Expert
This Caulfield CUp win of Dunaden must rank highly. 58kgs, from last and the hoof problem. Trainer Delzangles said he was a week behind where he needed to be. How good is this horse???
Justin Cinque
Expert
The top five all run outstanding. There was a small break to Zabeelionaire and Folding Gear in 6 and 7. Then a break to pack led by Sneak A Peek
Justin Cinque
Expert
Results 1. Dunaden 2. Alcopop 3. Lights Of Heaven 4. Americain 5. My Quest For Peace 6. Zabeelionaire 7. Folding Gear 8. Sneak A Peek.
Tim
Guest
Alcopop has backed up within 7 days. 3 times for 2 wins
Justin Cinque
Expert
All those on speed folded. Glencadam Gold folded. VOila Ici was last and December Draw dropped out. The run of My Quest For Peace was enormous. He sweated up. He was close all the way and he battled on well to finish fourth or fifth.
Justin Cinque
Expert
Zabeelionaire is close up behind them. FOlding Gear was good too.