Caulfield outing on way to the 2025 Melbourne Cup
Several Caulfield Cup hopefuls will look to clinch their place in the field through Saturday’s Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m), which grants the winner a ballot exemption into next week’s $5 million Caulfield Cup (2400m).
Of the 29 horses still vying for a start in the Caulfield Cup, Post Impressionist, Young Werther, Brayden Star and Plymouth are among the 11 Herbert Power entrants who need victory to gain automatic entry.
Trainer Glen Thompson’s Whisky On The Hill will also line up on Saturday, though his spring goal lies elsewhere — the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 4. “He’ll run Saturday then most likely the Geelong Cup or the Moonee Valley Gold Cup as we’re just trying to get him into the Melbourne Cup,” Thompson said.
Thompson believes the Caulfield Cup doesn’t suit his galloper. “I don’t think he’s classy enough to win the Caulfield Cup, and finishing midfield won’t help his chances of getting into the Melbourne Cup,” he said. “We’d rather go to Geelong or Moonee Valley where he’s guaranteed a start and can be competitive.”
Whisky On The Hill heads into the race following his determined win in the Listed Ansett Classic (2400m) at Mornington. “He’s a horse that needs things his way, but when it all comes together, he can win anything,” Thompson said. “At Mornington, he was held up turning for home but still finished powerfully — it was a very good win.”
For the latest markets and betting offers on the Herbert Power Stakes and Caulfield Cup, visit Australia’s top betting sites.
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