No Caulfield Cup 2023, but Spanish Mission on track
Spanish Mission's name will not be there when Caulfield Cup final acceptances are taken on Wednesday, but that's no reflection of the stable's satisfaction with the way he is going.
The imported entire will instead head to Wednesday week's Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m), where he will be on trial for a start in the $8m Melbourne Cup (3200m).
The eight-year-old finished eighth in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m), after encountering a chequered passage in the straight, which co-trainer Katherine Coleman likened to a feature win.
"It was fantastic and we were nearly happier with that than Life Lessons winning the Group 2 (Rose Of Kingston Stakes)," Coleman said.
"It was great to see him show that want and that will. The way he finished the race off we were extremely happy with it and we've been even more happy with the way he's come through it.
"He went down to Lauriston Farm, had a couple of days at the beach there, and seems to have come through it in really good order.
"The further he gets, the more it is going to suit him."
The Turnbull Stakes was only the second run in 12 months for the 2021 Melbourne Cup placegetter, who resumed with a last placing in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m).
This is his first campaign since recovering from an injury sustained after his third placing in last year's Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m).
While Spanish Mission will not be at Caulfield on Saturday, Coleman and her co-trainer Peter Moody could still be represented in the Caulfield Cup 2023 with Fame a chance to line up.
The Queensland Derby runner-up has disappointed in two runs in open handicaps, over 1700m and 1800m this campaign but Coleman is expecting an improved performance from the son of Manhattan Rain once he steps up in trip.
"He's a horse that's probably not going to show his best until he gets out to that suitable trip," Coleman said.
"He does need to improve from what we've seen this time around to be competitive in that grade of race, but we think that we are going to see that improvement over these next few runs."
Fame is 16th in order of entry for a start in the Caulfield Cup, which is limited to 18 starters plus emergencies, and has 51kg with Craig Newitt to ride if the stable does elect to run.
More Racing News
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...