Militarize chasing third G1 in Caulfield Guineas 2023
Chris Waller does not see the barrier draw being a disadvantage for Caulfield Guineas favourite Militarize.
The $2.80 top elect with most online bookies drew barrier 12 in Saturday’s field of 15 three-year-olds over the 1600m journey.
Militarize had his first look at Caulfield on Tuesday morning and Waller said the son of Dundeel had done plenty of work on his ‘Melbourne leg’ ahead of Saturday’s race and was adaptable.
A dual Group 1 winner as a two-year-old, Militarize will be looking to add a second Group 1 win to the scoreboard as a three-year-old on Saturday.
At his most recent outing, Militarize took out the Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill on September 23.
Waller likened Tuesday’s Caulfield hit-out to a ‘Captain’s Run’ ahead of a footy Grand Final.
“It was a nice straight-forward workout. We didn’t ask him to do too much, just sit in behind his stablemate Lindermann who is a quality performer himself,” Waller said.
“He had a look around, making sure he got on the right leg, which is always important when you’re having your first run in Melbourne.
“He’s done plenty of work in Sydney on his left leg, but to do it here at Caulfield is another thing.
“Michael Dee was aboard, and he was very happy with every aspect of his work, getting on the right leg, balancing up in the straight and finishing off well.”
Joao Moreira, who won the Golden Rose, will take the ride on Saturday.
Waller said taking horses to the track before they race there for the first time was important, especially ahead of a big assignment, like the Caulfield Guineas.
“They parade better having been there before without having too much pressure put on them,” he said.
“They enjoy the workout and they come back race day and can take it all within their stride.
“You try and tick as many boxes as you can, and I think most were ticked this morning.
“(But) The Spring Carnival unearths a lot of new stars.
“He was a star as a two-year-old and he’s come back as a three-year-old really well, but you’re looking for the up-and-comers as well.
“He’s certainly the benchmark and they’ll know he’s there on Saturday.”
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