Caballus makes G1 debut at The Valley in Moir Stakes
Sydney-based rider Josh Parr will continue his association with Caballus when the entire steps out for the first time at Group 1 level.
Trainer Bjorn Baker has sent the four-year-old to Melbourne for the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Caballus has been stabled with Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young at Cranbourne and made the trip out to The Valley on Tuesday for a preview gallop at the track.
Parr made a hit-and-run visit to The Valley to put the four-year-old through his paces.
“I was keen to get on him and show him around this racecourse,” Parr said.
“The number one thing I wanted to take out of the gallop was him getting around the track comfortably, and he did that.
“That gives me some nice confidence and it’s a big box ticked.
“It’s obviously going to be a high-pressure race and a fast event, so we needed him to come here and be in a bit more of a familiar environment.”
Caballus started his career with Chris Waller before transferring to Baker where he was successful at Rosehill and Randwick before a last start third behind Estriella in the Inglis Sprint (1200m) at Flemington in March.
Baker gave the four-year-old two trials in Sydney before dispatching him south.
In his first trial, Caballus chased home Joliestar while at his most recent outing on August 19, the entire finished second behind Storm Boy.
“He came down in the autumn and ran in the Inglis Sprint down the straight and Estriella beat him, he ran third, but he won his two previous starts in Sydney, so this is his second time down here,” Parr said.
“I think he’s a more seasoned horse now than what he was when he came down in the autumn.
“The work on Tuesday was good and we were fortunate enough to have a partner, Epimeles, and it gave a kick, and I had to lean on my bloke a little bit to get him to extend.
“I’m glad we had the partner as it gave us a guide.
“He got to a significant speed down the straight that I was happy with, and he pulled-up from it really well, so we’re in good shape.
“There’s not going to be anywhere to hide on Saturday, so we’re going to have to bring our A-game, for sure.”
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