THE two favourites for next month's Caulfield Cup will take entirely different paths to the $2.5 million race on October 15, with December Draw now certain to have his final lead-up start in Sunday's group 1 Turnbull Stakes at Flemington, reports The Age (www.theage.com.au).It says: Trainer Mark Kavanagh had mapped out alternative plans for the imported horse in case he missed a run in the crucial $500,000 event, but with just 19 entries received for the race yesterday, December Draw is safely i
THE two favourites for next month's Caulfield Cup will take entirely different paths to the $2.5 million race on October 15, with December Draw now certain to have his final lead-up start in Sunday's group 1 Turnbull Stakes at Flemington, reports The Age (www.theage.com.au).
It says: Trainer Mark Kavanagh had mapped out alternative plans for the imported horse in case he missed a run in the crucial $500,000 event, but with just 19 entries received for the race yesterday, December Draw is safely in the line-up. But his main Caulfield Cup danger, Scarlett Lady, will be home in her box this Sunday and will not come out to race until Caulfield Cup day.
The Queensland Oaks winner's trainer, Graeme Rogerson, announced the unorthodox decision to not give Scarlett Lady a third lead-up run for the 2400-metre handicap, claiming the mare was so clean-winded and raced best with her races spaced. Scarlett Lady has been unplaced in both starts this preparation over shorter trips but has impressed with her finishing efforts.
Perth galloper Playing God confirmed his place in the Turnbull when he worked strongly on the course proper at Flemington yesterday. One-time cups favourite Shamrocker also worked well for what shapes as the defining race of her spring following two poor runs this campaign. Of the 19 entries for the Turnbull, owner Lloyd Williams has five including his ageing champion Efficient and impressive imports At First Sight and Midas Touch.