Track work and meteorological conditions are set to influence the final composition of trainer Chris Waller’s contingent for the Caulfield Cup.
Waller has six of the 34 horses still in contention for the 150th running of the Caulfield Cup (2400m) this Saturday. Among those safely in the field are Pinhole, who, despite being equal first on ballot, is unlikely to participate, along with Ohope Wins (15th), Asterix (17th), Wootton Verni (19th), Soul Of Spain (21st), and Valiant King (31st). The race has a capacity of 18 runners plus four emergencies.
Pinhole secured a ballot exemption with a victory in the Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield last Saturday. However, post-race, Waller indicated a preference for directing the imported stayer towards the Melbourne Cup, potentially via the Geelong Cup, Moonee Valley, or the Bendigo Cup.
The remaining five stayers may all head to Caulfield on Tuesday for a gallop, which will precede the final selection of runners. Final acceptances for the Cup are due by 9:30 am on Tuesday, followed by the barrier draw.
“We could potentially have five, or maybe three,” Waller stated.
Ohope Win is building towards the 2400m distance, having previously won over the trip in the Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick in April. Waller confirmed that Valiant King would run if he secures a start in the field.
“Wootton Verni may run, but I want to check the weather forecast with him,” Waller commented. “He needs some rain and I also want him to settle a bit.”
“Soul Of Spain finished second in the Sydney Cup and third in The Metropolitan recently, while Asterix became keen and struggled to find a rhythm last time. They will come here on Tuesday morning, and I’ll assess them before deciding.”
Waller plans to attend on Tuesday to observe his potential Caulfield Cup Day runners during their gallops. The Rosehill track will be open for work on Monday, allowing him to remain in Sydney to oversee his team preparing for The Everest meeting.
Having won the Caulfield Cup twice, Waller holds fond memories of the race, notably Verry Elleegant’s triumph in 2020.
“It’s a great Club. They do a great job 365 days of the year,” Waller said. “They’re always asking questions, what can we do to improve, what can we do to help. What’s your opinion on the track. They’re a forward-thinking group and they keep raising the bar which hasn’t been easy. Verry Elleegant was an important win and historically it’s a great form race for the Melbourne Cup. I remember Veandercross not winning the Caulfield Cup. I would have been in New Zealand then because my boss (Paddy Busuttin) had Castletown run it.”
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