Caulfield Cup contenders receive mixed barrier draws

Australia's premier racing stables are set to field a significant portion of the Caulfield Cup lineup.

A full capacity field of 18 runners, plus four emergencies, have officially accepted for the 150th running of the prestigious Group 1 Caulfield Cup over 2400 metres on Saturday.

Ciaron Maher's stable boasts five of the main 18 acceptors, along with three of the four emergencies, while Chris Waller will have three representatives in the race.

Of the 18 declared runners, three hail from international stables. Enfjaar has drawn the inside barrier, Starford will jump from gate 15, and Wine Dark Sea is set to start from barrier 19.

Cosmic Crusader, despite drawing the widest barrier at 17 (which could become 14 if emergencies are scratched), continues to hold favouritism for the Caulfield Cup, with its price drifting from $4.50 to $5.

Zahrann, one of Maher's entries, saw its odds firm from $9 into $7 after drawing barrier four.

Maher's other runners are Middle Earth (barrier 11), Royal Supremacy (8), Saint George (2), and Kings Valley (12). The emergencies are Juju Kibo (14), Point Of Law (21), and Mr Monaco (3).

Waller's three horses have all drawn gates in the double figures: Asterix (10), Soul Of Spain (13), and Ohope Wins (16).

Jack Turnbull, Ciaron Maher Racing's National Assistant Trainer, commented on the favourable draw for Zahrann, believing it's ideal for the horse looking to rebound from a below-par performance in the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington. Zahrann had earned its place in the Caulfield Cup field through a win in the Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on September 19.

"That day (at Flemington) the race pace was extremely brutal and was something he had not been accustomed to," Turnbull said.

"Prior to that his wins had been in slower pace races where he had been able to travel and then quicken."

"It was set-weights that day, he's back to handicap conditions and it's a shame we have to take him on trust because I believe he's got a lot of X-factor getting up in trip."

"The race shape should see Royal Supremacy go forward, and I can't see the race being as frantically run as it was in the Turnbull and Zahrann should be able to possie up midfield and travel throughout."

Saint George, who finished second to Zahrann in the Naturalism Stakes, also received a good draw in gate two, the same barrier Half Yours used to win the Caulfield Cup last year.

"He gets 12 furlongs (2400m), he'll get a nice economical run," Turnbull said.

"He's more seasoned and the pressure in the first 400 metres is high and they generally stretch and he'll be tucked away."

Middle Earth returns to handicap conditions for Saturday's race, having competed under weight-for-age and set-weights and penalty conditions this preparation.

"He's been under the radar," Turnbull said.

"He's a horse that only has a few races on the calendar that really suit him."

"He's a genuine staying horse and now that we're at 2400 metres after a couple of prep runs, his fitness is there and can start to show his true potential."

Kings Valley is in pursuit of a $1 million bonus after winning the Mornington Cup (2400m) in April.

Turnbull mentioned that the stayer had been slightly slow to shed its coat this campaign, but after four starts this preparation, the horse is moving in the right direction.

Regarding the three emergencies, Turnbull identified Jujo Kibo as the one he would most like to see gain a start in Saturday's contest.

"I think the way he won last time, Juju Kibo, at the weight, might be the one," Turnbull said.

"He's a Metrop winner whereas Point Of Law has travelled out (from the UK) but has a bit of hype around him and Mr Monaco won the Bart Cummings."

Co-trainer Calvin McEvoy was visibly pleased when Half Yours drew barrier seven.

Mark Zahra has been booked to ride the dual Cups winner, taking over from Jamie Melham.

"It takes a lot of the guess work out of it," McEvoy stated regarding Half Yours' barrier draw.

"These big, high-pressure handicaps, if you draw wide, it nearly dictates what you have got to do."

"We were lucky last year that he drew well in the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup."

"I think from seven, or six, where he may jump from, it will allow Mark Zahra the chance to get the horse to switch off and conserve his energy, which is an asset he has, and then get some luck at the right time."

"We've got a big race jockey on board."

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