CAULFIELD CUP: FOUR STABLES IN THE HUNT

THE $3 million Caulfield Cup is facing a four-pronged assault with eight of the top 10 in betting for the 2400m Group 1 classic coming from just four stables.

Trainers Darren Weir and Kiwi Murray Baker have six runners between them, including $6.50 favourites Humidor (Weir) and Bonneval (Baker), while team Hayes from Lindsay Park could have another three, giving the trio potentially half the 18-horse field.

Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien’s Johannes Vermeer ($7) stormed on to the second line of betting with a slashing second in Saturday’s Caulfield Stakes and will be one of three international raiders, all housed at Werribee, rounding out the quartet of houses which looks to have a stranglehold on the Cup.

Weir, who for all his success is yet to win a Caulfield Cup, could be holding the whip hand for this year’s race with three runners all on the top three lines of betting.

His lightweight chance Amelie’s Star ($7.50) could be the beneficiary of the natural attrition rate and sneak into the 18-horse field along with equal TAB race favourite Humidor ($6.50) and Japanese wildcard Admire Deus ($7).

Baker, who collected the Caulfield Cup trophy two years ago with Mongolian Khan, could also have three starters including Bonneval, the equal $6.50 favourite, alongside Jon Snow ($15) with a decision to be made on Lizze L’Amour ($61) after she ran sixth in Sunday’s Cranbourne Cup.

“She pulled up well so I’ll speak to the owners about whether we pay up for the Cup. There are a lot of other options to discuss for her,” Baker said.

The training trio from Lindsay Park lead by David Hayes will also likely saddle three runners including Harlem ($10) and Ventura Storm ($12), who will be ridden by Damien Oliver.

But fresh off a stunning Saturday at Caulfield last week, OTI’s Terry Henderson said surprise Herbert Power Stakes winner Lord Fandango could cause an upset, taking advantage of the “free kick” that he’s been given.

Lord Fandago was being aimed at the Zipping Classic next month but the quality of his win, and the 50kg he will carry on Saturday, gives Henderson hope his $26 chance could keep the OTI team momentum going after collecting two Group One races last week.

“We’ve got a few things going our way, one of which is weight – and when you are presented with a free ticket, especially under such great conditions, you have to take advantage of it,” Henderson said.