Draw ideal for untried stayer

KERRIN McEvoy is confident a first trip to 2400m will suit Youngstar after the mare drew a preferred mid-range barrier.

Chris Waller’s star is the second favourite for Saturday’s Caulfield Cup at $5.50 after drawing barrier 10.

While the four-year-old has never raced at that distance, her jockey McEvoy, who had hoped for a sub-12 gate, was confident. “The [Queensland] Oaks win … she was strong at the end of it there in Doomben [after 2200m] and she’s got a great attitude and relaxes well,” McEvoy said.

“She’s a nice mare to ride in the way that she conserves her energy, so you’d like to think 2400m will be no problem.”

McEvoy, 37, said it took “a hardy horse” to win the Caulfield Cup and this year it was wide open with a strong field of local and overseas challengers.

“[It takes] a horse that has obviously got the right credentials and with a nice weight that can stay well and have a turn of foot at the end of the 2400m as well,” he said.

“Caulfield can be tricky for some horses. They need to have the right criteria to offset Caulfield.

“[I’m confident] she’s going to run really well, but it’s a great line-up, so we’re going to have to bring our A-game.”

Ventura Storm ($34) drew barrier 11 — with Team Hayes anticipating an attacking approach for the gelding.

“He’s come through the [Turnbull Stakes] great,” cotrainer Ben Hayes said.

“He was only beaten an inch by Kings Will Dream and also Youngstar was only just ahead of him and they’re both favourite in the market — he’s come to the race excellent.”