While only two mares have won the G1 BMW Caulfield Cup in the past 15 years, Saturday A$3-million staying contest could provide another with Ciaron Maher's G1 Victorian Oaks winner Jameka (Aus) (Myboycharlie {Ire}) the current favourite, while Darren Weir's multiple stakes winner Real Love (Aus) (Desert King {Ire}) looks to have conditions to suit for adding the prize to her already impressive record.
A winner two starts back in the G3 Naturalism S. at Caulfield, Jameka progressed to finish second to leading G1 Cox Plate contender Hartnell (GB) (Authorized {Ire}) in the G1 Turnbull S. next time out with a gap of over three lengths to Tally (Aus) (Street Cry {Ire}) in third. At seven runs of 2000 metres or further, the lightly raced mare has never finished further back than fourth, highlighted by Group 1 placings at every attempt. With three runners in the race, Jameka (Aus) looks the leading chance for the Maher stable, who will also saddle up Group 1-winning mare Set Square (Aus) (Reset {Aus}) and last start Group 3-placed Pemberley (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}).
“This race is one of the big three that we all dream of as a trainer to win,” Maher said. “Hopefully one of my three can do the job.”
Eight-time stakes winner Real Love produced an impressive three-length victory in the G3 JRA Cup on Sept. 30, and with two stakes wins at the trip plus a significant drop in weight, last season's champion trainer Darren Weir could taste victory in his first Caulfield Cup come Saturday.
The race will see four international runners having their first Australian starts, with Sir Isaac Newton (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) from the Aidan O'Brien camp and the Lee and Anthony Freedman-trained Exospheric (GB) (Beat Hollow {GB})– previously finishing fourth and fifth, respectively, to Postponed (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G1 Juddmonte International– highlighting their class.
One of two entries for the team, Godolphin's Scottish (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) could be the one to watch of the international contingency. A win over Exospheric and a second to Highland Reel (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) at his most recent 2400 metre start could see the Charlie Appleby-trained 5-year-old give Kerrin McEvoy and Sheikh Mohammed their second victory in the race since All The Good (Ire) in 2008.
“I'm delighted with barrier seven; it gives Kerrin plenty of options,” stated Appleby. “If we can get a nice clear run into the race we are hopeful of being very competitive.”
In search of his first Caulfield Cup victory, Chris Waller will saddle up G2 Avondale Gold Cup winner Sacred Master (NZ) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}). Recording very good finishing sectionals last time out in the G1 Metropolitan H. when fourth, jockey Tommy Berry will be able to take up a good position from barrier eight in search of his first win in the time-honoured race.
While getting on in age, last start Metropolitan H. winner Sir John Hawkwood (Ire) (Sir Percy {GB}) should prove an interesting runner for trainer John Thompson from barrier five. With three wins and two second-placed performances from seven attempts at the 2400 metres, including his impressive last start win, The Waratah Thoroughbreds-owned gelding is one to watch at odds.
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