Track gallops and the weather forecast are expected to dictate the final composition of trainer Chris Waller’s team for the Caulfield Cup.
Waller currently has six of the 34 horses still in contention for the 150th running of the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday. Safely into the field are Pinhole, who is equal first on ballot but unlikely to run, Ohope Wins (15th), Asterix (17th), Wootton Verni (19th), Soul Of Spain (21st), and Valiant King (31st). The race has a limit of 18 runners plus four emergencies.
Pinhole earned a ballot exemption with its victory in the Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield last Saturday. However, post-race, Waller indicated a preference to aim the imported stayer towards the Melbourne Cup, potentially via the Geelong Cup, Moonee Valley, or the Bendigo Cup.
The remaining five stayers could all participate in a gallop at Caulfield on Tuesday before a final decision is made on which horses will take their place in the race. Final acceptances for the Cup are scheduled for 9:30 am on Tuesday, with the barrier draw to follow shortly after.
“We could potentially have five, or maybe three,” Waller stated.
Ohope Win is progressing well towards the 2400m journey, having won over the distance in the Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick in April. Waller confirmed that Valiant King would run if he can gain entry into the field.
“Wootton Verni may run, but I want to check the weather forecast with him,” Waller said. “He needs some rain and I also want him to settle a bit better.”
“Soul Of Spain finished second in the Sydney Cup and third in The Metropolitan recently, while Asterix became keen and failed to find its rhythm last time out. They will both come here on Tuesday morning for me to inspect and decide.”
Waller will be in attendance on Tuesday to watch his potential Caulfield Cup Day runners gallop. The Rosehill track will be open for workouts on Monday, allowing him to remain in Sydney to oversee his team’s preparations for The Everest meeting.
With two Caulfield Cup wins to his name, Waller has some memorable experiences from the race, most notably Verry Elleegant’s success in 2020.
“It’s a great Club. They do a great job 365 days of the year,” Waller said. “They’re always asking questions, what can we do to improve, what can we do to help. What’s your opinion on the track. They’re a forward-thinking group and they keep raising the bar which hasn’t been easy. Verry Elleegant was an important win and historically it’s a great form race for the Melbourne Cup. I remember Veandercross not winning the Caulfield Cup. I would have been in New Zealand then because my boss (Paddy Busuttin) had Castletown run it.”
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