Nash Rawiller rides Glencadam Gold to victory in the Newcastle Gold Cup.
Glencadam Gold has been confirmed as favourite for the Caulfield Cup after yesterday’s declaration of the field.
The Gai Waterhouse-trained import is rated a $6 chance ahead of the barrier draw.
Ballarat district’s principal interest in the group 1 $2.5m event, Jakkalberry, is $19 and $17 with TABsportsbet and Sportsbet.com.au respectively.
Acquired by Ballan district-based syndicator Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock, the imported stayer is making his Australian debut on the way to his major spring target – the Melbourne Cup.
December Draw is second favourite ahead of last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden $8.
John Sadler’s import Winchester is $21.
Sadler, who has a satellite stable in Ballarat, gave Winchester a public gallop on a raceday at Dowling Forest early in his preparation, the first in Australia for the four-time United States group 1 winner.
Sportsbet.com.au fixed betting market: 4.00 Glencadam Gold, 6.00 Dunaden, 8.50 December Draw, 11.00 Gatewood (2em) 12.00 Lights Of Heaven, 17.00 Americain, Southern Speed, My Quest For Peace, Sneak A Peak, 19.00, Volla Icl, Jakkalberry, Folding Gear, 21.00 Winchester, Secret Admirer, Alcopop, 34.00 Niwot, Zabeelionaire, 51.00 Sanagas, Moudre, 101 Sabrage (1em), Ibicenco (3em), 201, Fictional Account (4em).
Meanwhile, Melbourne’s premier trainer Peter Moody has laid it down to the Cup favourite, declaring the Sydney stayer won’t get things his own way in Saturday’s feature.
With a hint of old-fashioned, inter-city rivalry, Moody suggested Glencadam Gold may have had it easy in his recent Sydney runs, a situation that won’t exist at Caulfield.
“He’s looked good in Sydney,” Moody said.
“But I know my horse Voila Ici will go forward in the race, so Glencadam Gold is going to have to withstand more pressure than I think he’s seen in Sydney,” he said.
“He might be able to do that, he might thrive on it. But we’re not going to run and hide.”
with AAP
gavin.mcgrath@thecourier.com.au