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.”
More Racing News
War Machine to target the 2026 Australia Stakes
Top-class sprinter War Machine will resume in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Pakenham on Friday night as connections eye a strong autumn campaign. The race, traditionally held at Moonee Valley, has been moved due to redevelopment works and shapes as an ideal launchpad for the Lindsay Park galloper. War Machine...
2026 Golden Slipper Stakes favourite Incognito nearing return to the races
The absence of Incognito from the Magic Millions 2YO Classic did little to dent his standing in Golden Slipper markets, with the colt edging closer to a raceday return. Michael Freedman elected to sidestep the Gold Coast feature with the $1 million purchase, instead opting for a controlled trial as the...
Antino to target 2026 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in the Autumn
A strong trial session at Deagon on Tuesday will be highlighted by the return of Antino as Tony Gollan begins plotting another autumn campaign for the talented gelding. Antino has not raced since his disappointing effort in the Group 1 Cox Plate, where he finished last after failing to fire on...
Torque To Be Sure breaks maiden in 2026 Magic Millions Guineas, survives protest
Torque To Be Sure finally lived up to his promise with a breakthrough victory in the $3 million Magic Millions 3yo Guineas, though his success came with a nervous wait in the stewards’ room. The Matthew Dunn-trained gelding drifted under pressure in the closing stages, bumping race favourite Ninja as the...
Mile no issue for Merrigold in 2026 Vobis Gold Distaff
Trainer John Sadler admitted a touch of stubbornness delayed Merrigold’s step up to 1600 metres, but the mare made him look wise with a dominant Flemington victory. The five-year-old was having her first start beyond 1400 metres and handled the rise in distance with ease when taking out the Vobis Gold...
Unit Five powers home in the 2026 Magic Millions Classic
Unit Five announced himself as a rising star with a powerful victory in the $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic, overcoming far more seasoned rivals despite limited race experience. The Ciaron Maher-trained colt, ridden confidently by Thomas Stockdale, held off Tornado Valley by a length, with By Choice finishing just behind...
Big Sky surges into 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes calculations
Big Sky’s dominant debut at Flemington has propelled him straight into calculations for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), giving Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr the top two runners in early betting. The Bivouac colt overcame a wide draw in the TAB We’re On (1000m), travelling strongly under Jordan...
Future History too strong in the 2026 January Cup
Future History showed his class and toughness when landing the $200,000 Listed January Cup at Rosehill, giving Ciaron Maher another feature race success. The eight-year-old almost didn’t take his place in the race after heavy rain downgraded the track, but connections elected to press on despite concerns about the conditions. Ridden positively...
Golden Slipper Stakes 2026 plans for Godolphin’s Outspan
The Godolphin-trained Outspan has thrust himself into Golden Slipper calculations after a commanding win at Rosehill on Saturday. After settling just behind the speed in the 1100m contest, the Michael Freedman-trained colt finished strongly to defeat Long Throw ($15) by 1-1/2 lengths, with Miss Chanel ($4.60) another half-length back. The performance marked...
Tony Gollan’s two-year-old Itching To Go in 2026 Magic Millions Classic
Tony Gollan is leaning on a proven strategy as Itchintogo lines up on a seven-day backup in the Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m) this Saturday. The approach has delivered strong results historically, with six winners of the $3 million race following the same path over the past 15 years. Purchased for $60,000...