Bottino set for a break

TRAINER Matthew Williams is hoping Caulfield will suit the racing pattern of Our Bottino when the gelding contests the Lord Stakes today.

A last-start fourth over 1600m at Pakenham on December 9, Our Bottino meets a similar bunch the Listed race over 1700m.

Our Bottino led under the guide of jockey Ben Melham at Pakenham but wasn’t able to get a break on the field.

On the tighter confines of Caulfield today, Williams is hoping for a different story.

“Maybe his plus is Caulfield might suit his style of racing better than the big track at Pakenham and he may get things his way a bit more,” Williams said.

“Benny rode him very well at Pakenham but he didn’t get left alone in front and hence wasn’t able to get a little break between the 600 (metres) to the 400 as he likes to do.

“He’s very well so there won’t be any excuses fitness-wise.”

Apprentice Ben Allen takes over from Melham.