CUPS CORNER

SEISMOS: Jockey Craig Newitt galloped his Caulfield and Melbourne Cup ride Seismos for the first time at the International Quarantine Centre at Werribee yesterday, and said he was happy to be on board for both races. “He’s a lovely, relaxed customer; he’s settled in really well. First impressions; really happy,” Newitt said. The gelding won the Group Three Geoffrey Freer Stakes (2700) at Newbury on August 16 at his last start. Newitt said the Melbourne Cup would suit the horse best. DEAR DEMI: Veteran trainer Clarry Conners has looked better, but he isn’t sure whether his quality mare Dear Demi has. The five-year-old ran third to Fawkner in last year’s Caulfield Cup after drawing the outside barrier. Conners, who copped a fractured eye socket and lost four teeth when kicked by a horse two weeks ago, said she was going “better than last year” and just needed a decent barrier next week. She will have her final Caulfield Cup hit-out in tomorrow’s Caulfield Stakes. PROTECTIONIST: German galloper Protectionist will have his only run before this year’s Melbourne Cup in tomorrow’s Group Two Herbert Power Handicap (2400m) at Caulfield. English gallopers Renew and Lord Van Percy will also start in the race, but Protectionist is the highest-rated of the trio. Trainer Andreas Wohler said he “couldn’t be happier” with the son of Monsun who has been based at the IQC in Werribee. Wohler’s main concern tomorrow was the 59kg. BANDE: The Japanese galloper will have a familiarisation visit to Caulfield tomorrow, with a light canter on the track and some time in the tie-up stalls, pre-parade ring and the mounting yard on the agenda. Assistant trainer Takahide Ando said the visit was aimed at helping the horse adapt to the venue next week where he is one of the top hopes in the Caulfield Cup. Bande worked strongly over 2000m at Werribee on Wednesday, coming home his final 600m in 35.13secs.