Ciaron Maher is hoping for four runners in Saturday’s Caulfield Cup, but half his team may be stuck on the emergency list — including a Group 1 winner.
Royal Supremacy’s spot depends on whether topweight Buckaroo, last year’s runner-up, takes his place. The Metropolitan winner has moved to 19th in the order of entry after Changingoftheguard’s withdrawal, with connections awaiting Chris Waller’s decision on Buckaroo.
Maher said Royal Supremacy’s form “all lined up in the Metrop” and praised his progress, adding: “He’s improving all the time… He was quite strong on the line.”
Zardozi and Berkshire Breeze are also hoping to sneak into the field, with blinkers a possible addition. Maher admitted Zardozi’s recent runs have been “under (par)” but said he might “roll the dice” with gear changes.
Stablemate Middle Earth, a proven stayer in England, will tackle 2400m for the first time in Australia after missing the start in the Turnbull Stakes.
The final Caulfield Cup field and barriers will be confirmed Wednesday morning.