Trainer Grahame Begg is preparing Cilacap for a Group 1 challenge in Adelaide, with the filly set to race in the Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on Saturday. The race will serve as her final lead-up to the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville on April 26.
Begg chose the Easter Cup to test Cilacap over 2000m while avoiding two trips to Adelaide. Although she is the early $5.50 favourite, Begg believes Cilacap is underweighted for the race. With a handicap rating of 90, Cilacap was allotted 54kg, but her true weight would be just 46kg based on her rating.
“I don’t understand why they don’t let horses run at their true rating and allow them to get their sex allowance,” Begg said. “There’s no spread in the weights.”
Cilacap, with four wins and a third from six starts, is coming off a strong win in the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley. Begg is confident the 2000m will suit the relaxed filly, who is well-prepared for the challenge.
“She’s very relaxed and her mother (Falkenberg) ran third in a Queensland Oaks,” Begg said. “We’ll see if she runs the trip, but it will be a good test for her.”