Luck of draw brings money for Johannes
THE wave of support continued for Lloyd Williams’s import Johannes Vermeer after he drew barrier two last night for the Caulfield Cup firming from $5.50 to $5 favourite with TAB.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained stayer rocketed up betting charts after he finished second in the Caulfield Stakes behind Gailo Chop last Saturday.
His jockey, Ben Melham, said it was an ideal draw as Johannes Vermeer had the necessary speed to make use of the barrier.
“He relaxes well and he’s the right type of horse for a Caulfield Cup. I’m pretty confident,” Melham said.
“I’m in good hands. It’s going to be a high pressure race. I’ve got the right draw.”
Darren Weir has not given up on his quest for his first Caulfield Cup victory with Humidor and Amelie’s Star, despite import Admire Deus breaking down yesterday.
Humidor, who is a $6 second favourite with TAB, drew barrier seven, while Amelie’s Star an $8.50 chance will jump from the tricky gate 13.
Weir said as shocked as he was with the loss of Admire Deus, who remains at the Ballarat Veterinary Clinic, there was little choice but to look to his other hopes.
“It’s a part of the job that everyone has to deal with at some stage,” he said. “He was just unfortunately stretching his legs this morning and we don’t know what happened.”
He said Humidor and Amelie’s Star were “in great shape”.
“Seven is ideal [for Humidor], the other one [13 for Amelie’s Star] is a bit sticky,” he said.
Weir denied reports Michael Dee had been sacked from Amelie’s Star after the owners opted for Craig Williams yesterday following Admire Deus’s mishap.
“The jockey change has been blown out of proportion,” he said. “At the end of the day Micky Dee was booked [Monday night] at 8 o’clock.
“He wasn’t sacked off the horse . . . he didn’t get off any other horse to get on my horse and he hadn’t ridden the horse. So he had the ride for 12 hours. SATURDAY
“The owner was happy with Micky Dee, but when Craig Williams became available, he just thought it was in his best interests.” D Weir H Morrison (Eng) A O’Brien (Ire) M Baker & A Forsman (NZ) D & B Hayes & T Dabernig R Hickmott D & B Hayes & T Dabernig W Mullins (Ire) M, W & J Hawkes N Olive M Baker & A Forsman (NZ) D Brideoake D & B Hayes & T Dabernig M Kent D & B Hayes & T Dabernig D Weir A Alexander
New Zealand trainer Murray Baker’s Bonneval drew barrier 14 and drifted from $6 to $6.50 while Jon Snow firmed from $12 into $11 after he drew barrier six.
“Jon Snow is a very honest horse, he doesn’t get too far off the pace, drops 3.5kg on Saturday’s placing,” Baker said.