Lucia Valentina ($4.40) was heavily supported to win Saturday’s Caulfield Cup (2400m) prior to the barrier draw, reports TAB.

 

Media Manager Glenn Munsie told PPD: 'Just under 50 per cent of all money invested since the final field was released has been for the Kris Lees-trained four-year-old mare.

 

'The biggest bet today was early this afternoon with $10,000 @ $4.60 after as much as $5 was available yesterday 

 

'Japanese duo Bande ($8) and Admire Rakti ($10) both fared well drawing the middle of the field in 10 & 8 respectively and are rated the best chances of the imported contingent..

 

'Lidari, who finished second to Lucia Valentina in the Turnbull Stakes, has firmed from $26 to $15 since the final field was released and barrier 4 was selected by connections.   

 

'The last favourite to win the Caulfield Cup was seven years ago when Master O’ Reilly won.

 

'The biggest casualty of the draw was 2013 placegetter Dandino, who drifted from $10 to $12 after drawing the extreme outside in 22.

 

'Four of the past five Caulfield Cup winners have drawn double-digit barriers.'