UK raider Meydaan has ticked off his first look at Caulfield ahead of Saturday’s Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), with connections confident the gelding is ready to perform.

Travelling foreman Paul Holley, representing trainers Simon and Ed Crisford, partnered Meydaan in a gallop on Tuesday morning and gave the international stayer the all-clear for his Australian debut in the $5 million feature.

“There was a bird, and he had a good look at that down the back, but over the last 600 metres I let him stride on a little bit and I was pleased with him, and he galloped out well,” Holley said.

While Holley noted that Meydaan may be even better suited to the expansive Flemington circuit for the Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 4, he was satisfied the son of New Bay handled Caulfield’s tighter turns well. “He might be better on more of a galloping track like Flemington, but he’s run around Goodwood which is an undulating course. All his best runs have been at Goodwood, but I think Caulfield will be OK for him, but I think Flemington would be better again, as Caulfield you are turning all the time. Fingers crossed, we’re ready to go.”

Importantly, Meydaan balanced up well in his work, finding his right lead leg through the bends before switching as he quickened in the straight. Holley also reported that the gelding had settled into his new environment perfectly, regaining the weight he initially dropped upon arrival in Australia. “He’s not leaving an oat,” Holley said.

Meydaan is rated among the leading international hopes for the Caulfield Cup and is the $8 second favourite behind local star Half Yours ($2.50). The Crisford team are no strangers to Melbourne, having made two prior raids — most notably in 2022 with Without A Fight, who later transferred to Anthony and Sam Freedman and famously claimed both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups the following year.

Holley said Meydaan shared some traits with another Crisford runner, West Wind Blows, who was runner-up in last year’s Caulfield Cup. “I think this horse is going to keep on improving,” he said. “As a younger horse he was doing it the wrong way around. He was too keen early on, but since he’s been gelded, he’s learning to race properly now, and we’ve got the best of him to come, I think.”

Jockey Andrea Atzeni will take the reins on Saturday, with Holley expecting the gelding to settle midfield. “Hopefully he’ll be parked in sixth or seventh position in the run,” he said.

The final field and barrier draw for the 2025 Caulfield Cup will be revealed on Wednesday morning. For full odds and bookmaker offers ahead of the big race, visit Australia’s best betting sites.