Benbatl leads raiders
Record 11 international contenders for Caulfield Stakes
BENBATL, touted as the northern hemisphere raider with the credentials to mount a serious Cox Plate challenge to Winx, heads a record 11 international nominations for Saturday’s blockbuster Caulfield meeting.
Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor will fly into Melbourne to watch Benbatl contest the $1 million Group 1 Caulfield Stakes (2000m), where he could face Aidan O’Brien’s Cliffs Of Moher and Charlie Appleby’s Blair House.
Benbatl is rated 123 internationally, in equal 13th place with Happy Clapper – seven points below Winx.
He is currently joint TAB third favourite with D’Argento for the Cox Plate at $17 behind Winx ($1.20) and Humidor ($13).
Gailo Chop won last year’s Caulfield Stakes, downing subsequent Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup place-getter Johannes Vermeer, before running fifth to Winx in the Cox Plate.
This year’s Caulfield Stakes entry features a host of entries from Chris Waller and Darren Weir.
Waller has Comin’ Through, D’Argento, Egg Tart and Unforgotten, while Weir has Tosen Basil, Humidor and Night’s Watch.
The Group 2 Herbert Power (2400m) has also drawn the interest of visiting and local stables alike.
O’Brien has Yucatan while Prince Of Arran has been nominated by Charlie Fellows. Prize Money will represent bin Suroor.
Dal Harraild, who completes quarantine on Saturday, could have his first start for new trainers David Eustace and Ciaron Maher.
Charlie Appleby will tackle the $500,000 Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) with Sir Rupert Clarke winner Jungle Cat and Blair House, who finished fourth in the Underwood Stakes at his Australian debut.
Weir has nominated Japanese import Langley for the Toorak.
O’Brien has entered three for the $400,000 Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1100m) – Fleet Review, Intelligence Cross and Spirit Of Valour.
Appleby has entered Comicas for the $120,000 Listed Weekend Hussler Stakes (1400m).