Raiders set to launch carnival campaigns

UP to nine internationals could target the Caulfield feature meeting on Saturday after completing quarantine.

Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien’s Johannes Vermeer and Taj Mahal are likely to clash in the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes (2000m), while connections of seven other visitors consider starts at the Melbourne track.

Willie Mullins might also use the Caulfield Stakes to kick off Riven Light’s campaign after the gelding worked three laps on the synthetic track at Werribee yesterday with stablemate Wicklow Brave.

Jane Chapple-Hyam’s Kaspersky could meet Fastnet Tempest in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m), which could also be the objective for Hugo Palmer’s Mask Of Time.

The William Haggastrained Fastnet Tempest, who worked well for Dean Yendall yesterday, might also be nominated for the Listed Weekend Hussler Stakes (1400m).

Godolphin’s Kidmenever and Palmer’s Wall of Fire both are likely to be entered for the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m).

And Charlie Appleby’s Folkswood might also be entered for the Caulfield Stakes but he’s more likely to head to Sunday’s Listed Cranbourne Cup (2025m).

Appleby last season dominated feature provincial Cups, scooping wins at Geelong and Bendigo before landing the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Sandown Cup.

Craig Williams will give Japanese veteran Admire Deus another gallop at Werribee tomorrow, when Hugh Bowman will ride Tiberian.

The 19 horses at Werribee will complete their 14-day quarantine period on Saturday. Five more visitors are due to arrive on Saturday.