Adam
21 October 2024
CAULFIELD CUP
TEMPO: 4.7L +
TRACK CONDITION: SOFT 7 (played approx 4L slower than a good track, ever so slightly better than a 7)
RACE SHAPE: + - - (They went out fast, leader decelerated through the mid and again through the late section)
Outside of the quinella, DUKE DE SESSA (103) and BUCKAROO (101.8), there may not be much to take out of this years edition of the Caulfield Cup. And even so, the race did not rate overly well to previous years. That could be a contentious call given it is a key lead up to the race that stops the nation, The Melbourne Cup.
Take nothing away from DUKE DE SESSA's win, tagged above average fractions (+4.7L) and boxed on best. It was hard to be on his side post the Turnbull, however from a prep perspective, it pointed to a top, and that is what eventuated. Doesn't see 3200m, with the stable being public about the Moonee Valley Cup the next step - which I would expect suits.
BUCKAROO has had me in knots in regards to distance profile all prep. He has had the tempo to suit in each race as he has stepped up in trip, leaving me marking harsher. However, the consistency of the figures, paired with a dynamic profile, I am comfortable being less negative on him. If anything, the Turnbull said was the first indicator for me, that he could be stepped up, but the two miles is a completely different story. He was the clear outlier in the Caulfield Cup, and I am completely hard pressed to find anything else to take from the race.
I think we can be frank, and say that the Melbourne Cup winner is not coming out of the race. I am all but certain that the internationals have this year covered, with the irish galloper, JAN BRUEGEL heading the market.