Caulfield's Anniversary Vase begins Middle Earth's Cup path
The gelding who filled third in the Melbourne Cup, Middle Earth, begins his bid for a return crack at the famous Australian staying test this Saturday at Caulfield.
For the former UK horse trained by Ciaron Maher, the Listed Anniversary Vase at 1600m serves as the campaign opener.
Afterward, a journey north via Sydney to Brisbane beckons, targeting potentially the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) alongside the Group 2 Q22 (2200m) during Eagle Farm's winter program.
Post those engagements, the gelding should take a short respite in Queensland's balmy winter conditions to gear up for spring riches.
Upon arriving Down Under, Middle Earth wasted no time, claiming the Australian Cup Prelude (2000m) in March last year, before fading until a third placing in the JRA Cup (2040m) at Moonee Valley—his final workout prior to running third behind Half Yours in the Melbourne Cup.
With two light jump-outs behind him—including one this past Monday—the gelding heads into Saturday's race in good order.
National Assistant Trainer Jack Turnbull from the Ciaron Maher team noted the recent trial was designed to take the freshness out of Middle Earth.
"He trialled Monday and he's back five days later," Turnbull said.
"He's a high energy horse and he's been at Julien Welsh's because of his barrier antics.
"He gets quite hot and claustrophobic, so he trialled Monday to run Saturday on purpose to try and knock the edge off him.
"He's then headed up to Sydney and on to Brisbane for the Doomben Cup, the Q22 and races like that and have a prep aimed at the Cup again."
On Saturday, Middle Earth totes 61kg, identical to the weight carried by last year's winner Pride Of Jenni.
The Maher stable also fields endurance specialists Land Legend and Sayedaty Sadaty in the event.
This represents Land Legend's second run for Maher following time with Chris Waller, whereas Sayedaty Sadaty resumes after placing third in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) at Flemington, coming off a Bendigo Cup (2400m) victory previously.
Discover the latest online bookmakers offering value in the Anniversary Vase betting markets.
More Racing News
Ka Ying Rising readies for The Everest despite minor trial setback
Hong Kong's celebrated galloper, Ka Ying Rising, faced a surprising defeat in a 1000m barrier trial at Royal Randwick this morning, finishing behind Ninja, though trainer and jockey remain unconcerned.The world's foremost racehorse, Ka Ying Rising, made a swift departure from the gates, establishing an early lead with Ninja in...
Caulfield Guineas draw favours Call Me Coach
The barrier draw for the 2019 Caulfield Guineas remains a vivid memory for Rod 'Rocket' Douglas.Douglas, serving as racing manager for owner Jonothan Munz, had the responsibility of drawing the Caulfield Guineas barriers for Anthony Freedman's stablemates, Super Seth and Groundswell, before the 2019 running.Super Seth ultimately started from barrier...
Sheza Alibi and Birdman set for Caulfield clash
Leading trainer Chris Waller is fully aware of the significant challenge that lies ahead for his charge, Birdman, as he prepares to face the talented mare Sheza Alibi at Caulfield.The highly anticipated clash between Birdman and Sheza Alibi is set for the Group 1 Might And Power Stakes over 2000m...
Melbourne Cup hopes boosted for Ciaron Maher runners after handicapping
Juja Kibo has taken a significant step towards a Melbourne Cup start, receiving a revised handicap following his impressive victory in The Metropolitan last Saturday.The chief handicapper for Racing Victoria, David Hegan, assigned the Ciaron Maher-trained stayer a 2kg penalty for the $10 million event, acknowledging his dominant 1-3/4-length win...
Crescent King set for Brian Crowley Stakes after Warwick Farm triumph
While Crescent King has not yet been tested in Saturday races, a commanding win at Warwick Farm on Monday could well have earned him a start in Stakes company.The Written Tycoon colt, a three-year-old, now boasts two wins from as many starts this preparation after he reeled in the speedy...
Attrition set for another tilt at the Hill Stakes
Mitch Freedman's primary focus at Flemington last Saturday was on the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes, which he claimed with Skybird, but he was also an interested observer of the Turnbull Stakes.The Ballarat trainer expressed his satisfaction at seeing Cosmic Crusader achieve a dominant 1-3/4-length victory in the 2000-metre Group 1...
Welcometotheshow primed for Toorak Handicap tilt
Trainer Tyler Donaldson-Aitken is preparing to mark a significant career milestone, readying his first Group 1 contender, Welcometotheshow.The race targeted for Welcometotheshow is the highly anticipated Toorak Handicap, a 1600-metre event at Caulfield this Saturday. This comes after the gelding secured his inaugural Stakes race victory at Flemington on September...
Flying For Fun targets Schillaci Stakes after impressive return
Bryce Heys has opted to keep Flying For Fun at shorter distances for now, with the mare's next start set to be in Melbourne for the Schillaci Stakes.The dual stakes winner is expected to be nominated for the 1100m sprint at Caulfield on Saturday. This comes after a promising return...
Close call as Skybird narrowly wins Gilgai Stakes
Depending on when you are reading this, trainer Mitchell Freedman and favourite backers may only just have exhaled as a unique characteristic nearly brought Skybird undone in the Gilgai Stakes at Flemington.Sent out the $2.90 market elect, Skybird looked set for an easy victory as jockey Ben Melham eased the...
Cosmic Crusader's Turnbull Stakes victory points to Cox Plate tilt
Pakenham trainer Andrea Leek has celebrated her most substantial success to date as Cosmic Crusader triumphed in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington. Leek is now aiming for an even greater prize, hoping to return to headquarters for Australia's premier weight-for-age race, the Cox Plate, with the Perth-owned galloper.The prestigious Cox...