Caulfield Cup start unlikely
New Zealand-owned stayer Patrick Erin looks likely to miss a run in Saturday’s Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), for which he is first emergency.
Trainer Chris Waller reported the last start Gr.1 Metropolitan Handicap (2400m) winner has arrived safely into the Flemington stable.
‘‘Unfortunately he is the first emergency in the Caulfield Cup on Saturday but if he does gain a start he certainly deserves his position there after winning the Metropolitan.
‘‘His runs this preparation have all been very good – not just winning the Metropolitan but his run prior to that behind Avilius and Brimham Rocks which seems to be good form. ‘‘It was certainly an eye catching run and a tough 2400m is exactly what he is looking for.
‘‘He is the winner of 11 races on varying tracks from good to soft, Corey Brown is booked to ride on Saturday from barrier 12 so we are just hoping to see him gain a start.’’
Should Patrick Erin not gain a Caulfield Cup berth, the Gr.3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on Wednesday or the Gr.2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) next Saturday are possible plan B options.
Meanwhile Kiwi trainer Murray Baker is hoping to see Jon Snow get conditions to suit in what will be the Iffraaj entire’s second tilt at the Caulfield Cup, a race in which he finished ninth last year.
‘‘I thought it was just an average run last start in the Turnbull after a good run in the Makybe Diva, but he probably needs a bit of rain to be at his best.
‘‘He has done well since he has been in Australia, he has only had the two starts, but he is fit and will be suited by the return to handicap racing.
‘‘I think he is around the same mark as last year and he got knocked out of it in the Caulfield Cup last year.
‘‘He worked very well this morning. Damian Lane rode him and he won the Tulloch and ATC Derby on him and Saturday will be the first time he will be back on.’’
‘‘His runs this preparation have all been very good – not just winning the Metropolitan but his run prior to that ... ’’
Chris Waller