Ray Dawson, the jockey booked for Enfjaar in the upcoming Caulfield Cup, has arrived in Melbourne, making his first trip to Australia for the prestigious 2400-metre race. Despite the long journey from England, the 33-year-old rider headed straight to Werribee to assess Enfjaar, a $11 chance for Saturday’s event.
Dawson landed early Wednesday morning and soon after connected with the horse during its morning track work. “I’m tired and it is a bit colder than I thought it would be, but I am excited and I’ve just seen Enfjaar and he looks really well and ready and set for Saturday,” Dawson stated.
He observed that Enfjaar is exhibiting a calm temperament. “I just said to (the team) that he is very relaxed. He can have days at home where he is a bit irate and he wears a hood galloping and he wore a hood at Goodwood to keep the noise levels down but he seems really relaxed over there. There’s not a problem on him.” Dawson acknowledged the horse’s occasional tendency to be “a bit highly strung and that is in his character” but expressed hope that this relaxed state would persist on race day.
The jockey is also pleased with the barrier draw of one. “I was happy to see him draw one and that makes life a little bit easier. Hopefully we get a clear run,” he added, noting that the initial rush to the bend doesn’t concern him, particularly after receiving advice from James McDonald.
Dawson has reviewed past Caulfield Cup replays, commenting, “I’ve watched a lot of replays and they seem to go quite quick to the bend and steady up. I’ve watched the last ten years of replays and it seems that you need to have a good horse but also luck.” He anticipates Enfjaar might find the track different, but feels well-prepared. “It will be different for Enfjaar as he’s probably never experienced track like it but it is a horse race and I’m well used to it. We’ll go on there with a bit of confidence and hopefully get a bit of luck on the way around.”
The jockey also pointed out the horse’s significant development this year: “He has got a lot better this year. Even at Goodwood he was a lot better in the parade and the way around.” The victory in the Group 3 Glorious Stakes (2414m) at Goodwood in June served as a crucial stepping stone for this Melbourne campaign, which Dawson viewed as an obvious opportunity.
Dawson is scheduled to partner the Roger Varian-trained six-year-old gelding for his final serious gallop on Thursday morning.
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