Caul’-ling All Marathoners

Saturday’s A$3-million G1 Caulfield Cup has attracted an eclectic field of 20, but the complexion of the G1 Melbourne Cup pointer has been affected no fewer than four withdrawals on veterinary grounds. 

The globetrotting Dandino (GB) (Dansili {GB}), beaten just over a length into second in last year’s running by Fawkner (Aus) (Reset {Aus}) reportedly worked well beneath would-be rider Craig Williams Thursday morning at the Werribee quarantine center, but pulled up lame in his off foreleg, according to Racing And Sports. 

“He didn’t pull up too good,” trainer Marco Botti’s travelling foreman Paul Francis told AAP. “He wasn’t 100% sound. Unfortunately it happens.”

Gris Caro (GB) (With Approval), winner two back of the G3 Naturalism S., was the intended mount of Joao Moreira, but was also scratched by trainer Jake Stephens. The Brazilian was offered the ride on Araldo (GB) (High Chaparral {Ire}), but reportedly declined to ride based on his lack of familiarity with the racetrack. Williams has now been named by trainer Mike Moroney. Gai Waterhouse has also cast some doubt on the participation of The Offer (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}), while Japanese raider Bande (Ire) (Authorized {Ire}) failed to pass the vet Friday morning and was also scratched. Several hours later it was announced that Dear Demi (Aus) (Dehere), third in last year’s running, would also be forced to miss the race with a throat infection.

Lucia Valentina (NZ) (Savabeel {Aus} retains ante-post favoritism on the strength of her last-out victory over Lidari (Fr) (Acclamation {GB}) in the G1 Turnbull S. over the 2000 meters at Flemington Oct. 4. Winner of the G1 Vinery Stud S. last April, she overcame easy ground to win the Sept. 6 G2 Tramway S. first-up and was sixth to G1 Cox Plate hope Sacred Falls (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}) in the G1 George Main S. Sept. 20 prior to causing a minor upset in the Turnbull. 

With the aforementioned defections, Brambles (NZ) (Savabeel {NZ}) draws in from the emergencies and has rounded into good form this season. Runner-up in an Aug. 30 handicap over this course, the 6-year-old narrowly defeated Big Memory (Fr) (Duke of Marmalade {Ire}) in a similar event at Flemington Sept. 13 and exits a third in the Turnbull, where he was defeated a little more than a half-length for everything. 

Japanese runners have left their mark on some of Australia’s top staying events, headed by the 1-2 finish of Delta Blues (Jpn) (Dance in the Dark {Jpn}) and Pop Rock (Jpn) (Helissio {Fr}), who were separated by a short head in the 2006 Melbourne Cup. While Bande ultimately sits this one out, Admire Rakti (Jpn) (Heart’s Cry {Jpn}) will represent Japan and will carry top weight of 126 pounds. Fourth, beaten just a length by Gentildonna (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in last year’s G1 Japan Cup, he was a well-beaten 11th in the G1 Arima Kinen in December before getting a breather. Runner-up to Gold Ship (Jpn) (Stay Gold {Jpn}) and one spot ahead of Bande in the G2 Hanshin Daishoten Mar. 23, the 6-year-old makes his first start since a 13th in the G1 Tenno Sho (Spring) May 4.