IRISH EYE CUP WIN
AIDAN O’Brien’s team is oozing confidence ahead of Saturday’s Caulfield Cup, where the Irishman will chase Group 1 history with Johannes Vermeer.
O’Brien’s assistant trainer TJ Comerford remains bullish about the import’s Cup prospects after a slashing second to Gailo Chop in the Caulfield Stakes.
“I don’t think he has to improve. I think if he runs like he did last time, I think that’s good enough because he wasn’t knocked about,” he said.
“He ran very well on Saturday but we thought as much because he’s been absolutely flying since he got here.
“Johannes Vermeer is very well and, in fairness, the jockey (Katelyn Mallyon) didn’t knock him about.
“He came out of the race so well, it was actually like a piece of work for him.
“I don’t think we need to do a whole lot more with him.
“The horse is fit and well and fresh.”
Johannes Vermeer has been the big market mover since Saturday, firming from an opening quote of $51 to $6. He is equal favourite in UBET markets with Bonnevall and Amelie’s Star.
Given the O’Brien camp’s confidence and with decent luck at tonight’s barrier draw, the import could claim favouritism by Cup start.
O’Brien has trained 24 Group 1 winners this season and needs just one more to equal American Bobby Frankel’s long-standing record of 25 Group 1 scalps in a calendar year.
Comerford says he has no concerns about Johannes Vermeer’s capacity to back up with Ben Melham to take the ride on Saturday.
“It’s only a problem if you think he hasn’t come out of his races so well,” he said.
“He always seem to come out of his races well as long as you don’t knock him about.
“He hasn’t been knocked about and last Saturday he had a lovely race and he came back up, ate up that night and I’m 100 percent happy with him.”
Fellow Irish galloper Wicklow Brave will head to Kyneton today for his final piece of serious work ahead of the Cup. Willie Mullins’ assistant trainer David Casey has organised to send the veteran from Werribee to take advantage of expected soft ground at Kyneton.
“We’re going to take him away (from Werribee) tomorrow and hopefully that will leave him right,” Casey said. “I think he’s in really good form. He looks great.
“He’s seems well again, it’ll be a competitive race but I’m sure we’re up for the challenge.”
To be ridden by Joao Moreira, Wicklow Brave has finished in the top four at his past five flat starts, including a close second behind Rekindling in the Group 2 Curragh Cup in July.
I DON’T THINK HE HAS TO IMPROVE. I THINK IF HE RUNS LIKE HE DID LAST TIME, I THINK THAT’S GOOD ENOUGH. TJ COMERFORD