Support grows for two international raiders in Caulfield Cup

THE growing support for the two international runners in Saturday's Caulfield Cup gained further momentum yesterday when Kirklees and Cima De Triomphe were installed at the top of the market for the $2.5 million handicap after the crucial barrier draw, reports The Age.It says: With an ideal draw of barrier seven, Godolphin's impressive Kirklees continued his climb up the bookmakers' boards to be installed the $8 favourite. Right behind him in betting at $8.50 is Luca Cumani's grey Cima De Triomp

THE growing support for the two international runners in Saturday's Caulfield Cup gained further momentum yesterday when Kirklees and Cima De Triomphe were installed at the top of the market for the $2.5 million handicap after the crucial barrier draw, reports The Age.

It says: With an ideal draw of barrier seven, Godolphin's impressive Kirklees continued his climb up the bookmakers' boards to be installed the $8 favourite. Right behind him in betting at $8.50 is Luca Cumani's grey Cima De Triomphe, alongside Predatory Pricer, who slid from $7 to $8.50 after he drew gate 16.

Godolphin's travelling foreman, Tommy Strang, said Kirklees had done nothing but please since the early hiccup in his campaign when he had an elevated temperature on arrival in Melbourne last month.

''He looks great in his coat and he's working well. He's back to his normal self,'' he said.

Godolphin won the cup last year with All The Good and Strang said Kirklees was a more proven performer. He said barrier seven suited Kirklees as his forte was early speed from the gates. ''He can pick and choose [where he settles], but I'm sure he won't be far off the pace.''

Sarah Cumani, representing her husband, confirmed what the form and ratings experts had been saying in recent days, that the two internationals were the best credentialled to ever contest the Caulfield Cup.

''He would be the best obvious chance because of the very good horses he's finished behind. It's easy enough to finish behind big names, but he needs to win,'' she said.

Cumani said Cima De Triomphe and stablemate Basaltico, who will test his Melbourne Cup credentials in the Geelong Cup on Wednesday, had settled into Australia perfectly.