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Source: punters.com.au
Champion trainer Chris Waller has up to five stayers in Caulfield Cup consideration, while Group 1 runner-up De Armas is set to be a late Thousand Guineas entry.
De Armas powered home in the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) last start in Sydney to warrant the $27,500 late fee into the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m).
“She’s only had two starts in Australia,” Waller said of OTI Racing-owned De Armas.
“Went from 1200m straight to a mile.”
Rival champion trainer Ciaron Maher has a stranglehold on the Thousand Guineas with favourites Regal Ambition ($4), Over The Bridge ($5) and Saintly Dancer ($6).
De Armas ($7) is next in line alongside South Australian raider Pretty Baby ($7).
Waller has Sing Your Song, a $15 chance, also in the Thousand Guineas frame.
Three-time Thousand Guineas winner Waller has sights on a third Caulfield Cup on Saturday.
New Zealand and Australian Oaks victor Ohope Wins spearheads a potential Waller quintet.
Ohope Wins is $18 for the Caulfield Cup with Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jye McNeil booked to ride on Saturday at 51.5kg.
“Her 2400m record is fantastic, Oaks in New Zealand and Australia,” Waller said.
‘She’s building towards (being) ready to peak, each run has been a little bit better.
“The Turnbull run was good and she’ll appreciate dropping to a handicap … because she hasn’t won less than 2000m I’ve taken a little different approach
“If she’s more competitive at 2000m-plus there’s not a lot of shorter races … she’s been the Oaks distance twice, so it’s not as if we’re going there for the first time.”
Asterix, tailed off last in the Turnbull Stakes after racing keenly, Wootton Verni and Soul Of Spain remain in Caulfield Cup contention.
Valiant King, third in the Caulfield Cup last year, could struggle to make the 18-horse field on Saturday, currently 31st in the Order of Entry.
“Wootton Verni may run, check the weather forecast (wants wet track),” Waller said.
“Asterix got quite keen (last start and) never got into a rhythm. He’s pulled up sound.
“Soul Of Spain, second in the Sydney Cup and third the other day in the Metrop.
“Potentially five, if they all got in, possibly three.”
Waller qualified Pinhole for the Caulfield Cup with victory in the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) last Saturday but suggested three weeks into the Melbourne Cup would suit the emerging stayer better than a seven-day backup.
Waller, who won the Caulfield Cup previously with champion Verry Elleegant (2020) and Durston (2022), commended the Melbourne Racing Club’s 150th celebrations.
“It’s very special (150th Caulfield Cup),” Waller said.
“They do a great job 365 days a year, promoting their big days, but they’re always asking questions … They’re a forward-thinking group and keep raising the bar.
“It’s a big track, it gets criticism like every track in Australia, but carnival time, it’s fantastic.”