X-rays clear Prince for Cup shot
Steel Prince (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire}) will progress onwards to the G1 Melbourne Cup despite a pre-race setback which saw him scratched from Saturday's G2 Herbert Power S. at Caulfield.
The Anthony Freedman-trained Steel Prince was scratched from the race after suffering cuts and abrasions in a barrier incident, but subsequent x-rays have revealed no serious injuries and he is fine to continue his preparation.
Steel Prince (Ire) has been cleared to continue towards the G1 Melbourne Cup
The Herbert Power was to be his final run before he took on the Melbourne Cup, but connections are now considering other options, including the G3 Geelong Cup.
The 6-year-old is already guaranteed a start in the $8 million handicap having won the Listed Andrew Ramsden S. at Flemington earlier this year.
Nature doesn't worry Snowden
A possible speed dual with Nature Strip (Nicconi) does not concern Redzel's (Snitzel) co-trainer Peter Snowden as he bids for a three-peat in The Everest.
Redzel has been dominant on or outside the pace in the past two editions of Australia's richest race, but the decision of James Harron Bloodstock to select noted front runner Nature Strip could upend Snowden's plans for the 7-year-old.
However, the trainer himself told Racenet, he was not concerned about Nature Strip.
Peter Snowden is not concerned about Nature Strip upsetting Redzel
“Nature Strip is just another horse in there – it’s that sort of race, there are 12 horses in it and you have to respect every single one of them,” Snowden said.
“They all bring different formlines but you know what they are and you know how they race – we'll just ride our own race and see what happens on the day.
“The strength of the race is every bit as good as last year, I think it may be better, there are a few horses this year that have probably stood up more.
“I would say there would be five or six horses that start with maybe one betting point between them - that’s how even it is."
Bart claims NZB WFA Championship
Veteran weight-for-age warrior Black Heart Bart (Blackfriars) has claimed the New Zealand Bloodstock Caulfield WFA Championship for the second time.
Black Heart Bart has claimed the New Zealand Bloodstock Caulfield WFA Championship
Having first won it back in 2016, Black Heart Bart secured honours this year with a close second placing behind Cape Of Good Hope (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in Saturday’s Ladbrokes S. to go with his win in the G1 Underwood S.
Now trained by Lindsey Smith, he finished with a total of 19 points, five clear of Hartnell (GB) (Authorized {Ire}) with Mystic Journey (Needs Further), Scales Of Justice (Not A Single Doubt) and Cape Of Good Hope (Ire) in a tie for third with 10 points each.
Walker to ride Finche
Michael Walker has been confirmed as the rider on leading G1 Caulfield Cup hope Finche (GB) (Frankel {GB}).
Walker will become the sixth jockey to ride the import in his six Australian starts for Chris Waller, taking the reins from Damian Lane, who will instead ride Mer De Glace (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}), who he rode with success in Japan.
Michael Walker has been confirmed as the rider for Finche (GB)
Walker will only be on Finche for one run, with Kerrin McEvoy, who rode Finche when he won the G3 Kingston Town S. at Randwick last month, to get back on board the 6-year-old in the G1 Melbourne Cup.
Finche burst into equal favouritism for the Caulfield Cup with a second in the G1 Turnbull S., behind fellow Cup contender Kings Will Dream (Ire) (Casamento {Ire}).
Meanwhile, Stephen Baster has been confirmed as the rider on The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel), who won the G2 Herbert Power S., in the Caulfield Cup.
Travelling towards 1000 Guineas
Co-owner and breeder Coll MacRury can't wait to see his progressive filly Travelling Light (NZ) (El Roca) tested in top company in next month's G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas at Riccarton after her big win at Matamata on Saturday.
Travelling Light won by 6.3l in the 1400 metre race and the Ben Foote-trained filly is now third favourite for the Riccarton Group 1 event.
“We really think this filly could become a top line galloper,” MacRury said. “She has a fantastic strength about her but is also very light on her feet.
“She had two jump-outs on very hard tracks as a 2-year-old and coped with them well but proved her versatility with her win on that wet track on the weekend.
“On the surface, her pedigree suggests she will be best at the shorter distances but the way she relaxes in her races I think she could well get over ground later on. Whatever happens we are going to sit back and enjoy the ride as it’s going to be a pretty exciting experience and one I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid.”
Self Sense won't take on Caulfield Cup
David Brideoake has confirmed veteran galloper Self Sense (Street Sense {USA}) won't take his place in next Saturday's $5 million Caulfield Cup.
Self Sense was guaranteed a run in the race as winner of the Listed Mornington Cup in March but Brideoake said while all is well with the 9-year-old, he wouldn't take up the opportunity to run in next Saturday's feature.
After finishing last in Saturday's G2 Herbert Power S., Self Sense will probably be going to the paddock according to his trainer, with an eye on features on the flat and over jumps in the autumn.
His withdrawal opens up a spot in the 18-horse field for the feature 2400 metre handicap.
