Waller key to Prince’s chances of Cup berth

PRINCE Of Arran’s last-ditch attempt to snare a slot in Saturday’s Caulfield Cup could depend on Chris Waller’s plans for Verry Elleegant.

Third in the 2018 Melbourne Cup and runner-up in last week’s Herbert Power Stakes, Prince Of Arran sits just outside the projected top-18 Caulfield Cup starters ahead of today’s final acceptances.

Trainer Charlie Fellowes is keen to back up the Lexus winner, hopeful a top performance at the Heath will help elevate the British stayer into next month’s Melbourne Cup.

Though Waller has chosen to target the St Leger at Randwick with Youngstar instead of the Caulfield Cup, it appears Prince Of Arran is still on the fringes.

Waller will take Verry Elleegant to The Valley today to gauge how she handles the track. If he is happy with the work, Waller will target the Cox Plate with the mare.

Fellowes’ dilemma could deepen at Caulfield today if Wolfe or Yulong Prince claim ballot exemption in the Cup with victory in the Coongy Cup.

Trainer Peter Snowden has said Yulong Prince is unlikely to head to the Cup, even if he wins the Coongy, while Wolfe’s connections are reputedly more interested in chasing the Melbourne Cup.

The Melbourne Racing Club will declare a field of 18 plus four emergencies with Irish mare True Self likely to make the cut.

Red Verdon, who was lame last week, worked well at Werribee, further dispelling doubts over his fitness.

“He’s cooled off without a problem and videos have been sent to our vet and Racing Victoria’s vet,” Ed Dunlop’s travelling foreman Robin TrevorJones.

“He’s fine and we’re looking forward to Saturday.”