The 2017 Caulfield Cup is just around the corner and as is the case every Spring, the international brigade are here and they mean business, with several leading chances in one of the best 2400m races in the world.
Here at Justhorseracing, we’ve put together a preview of the international runners set to take their place in the 2017 Caulfield Cup.
Market 💰: View the current Caulfield Cup odds
Admire Deus
Breeding: Admire Don x Royal Card
Trainer: Darren Weir
Nationality: Japanese
Weight: 56kg
Career Stats: 22: 5-2-5
2400m Stats: 5: 1-1-1
Winning Max Distance: 2500m (Nikkeo Sho), March 28 2015, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 21: 5-2-4
Wet Track Stats: 1: 1-0-1
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $26
Short Summary: One of the better Japanese stayers to come to Australia.
Second Last Start (3rd)- Group ll Nikkei Sho (2500m), March 25 2017, Nakayama, Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
He’s the horse just off the pace, yellow cap, blue blinkers. Very good run in defeat and you could make a case he probably should have won had he got clear air for the entire straight. Just had to change course a couple of times while the winner had an uninterrupted path down the outside.
Last Start (3rd)- Group l Tenno Sho Spring (3200m), April 30 2017, Kyoto, Clockwise Direction, Firm Surface
Excellent effort behind a world class stayer in Kitasan Black. Had the box seat most of the way, looked to travel well but just lacked the turn of foot to go with him. Still, a very good run in defeat and the time he ran was very good, and would figure prominently in whatever he contests.
Final Thought: As I said, I think he is the best horse from Japan to come to Australia. He has the form on the board, he has proper Group l form, he stays, he runs time. The one thing I will say is that he lacks a turn of foot, and recent winners of this race re Jameka and co, have had that in their weaponry. Still, massive respect.
Francis Of Assisi
Breeding: Danehill Dancer x Queen Cleopatra
Trainer: Charlie Appleby
Nationality: English
Weight: 54kg
Career Stats: 19: 8-1-1
2400m Stats: 1: 1-0-0
Winning Max Distance: 3319m (Hurdle), September 5 2015, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 10: 5-0-0
Wet Track Stats: 9: 3-1-1
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $21
Short Summary: Australia has waited 12 months to see him return down under.
Second Last Start (1st)- Group ll Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m), November 5 2016, Flemington, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
This was why he went straight to the top of betting for the 2017 Melbourne Cup. Admittedly he didn’t beat much but look at the way he put them away. He did it with ease. He spanked them. It proved he would handle Flemington perfectly in 2017 and it capped off a remarkable Spring for Charlie Appleby.
Last Start (8th)- Group lll Rose Of Lancaster Stakes (2112m), August 12 2017, Haydock, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Soft Surface
To the eye, disappointing in what wasn’t an overly strong Group lll contest, but Appleby did say a few days after that the ground was too sticky for him and that he had come through the run well, which is noteworthy, because if we do get a bit of rain about, that might dent the confidence a touch.
Final Thought: Just keep coming back to that Queen Elizabeth win. It was special the way he dashed away from them. The noise out of the stable is all positive with him and we know what the stable has done in two Australian trips- They’ve dominated. Melbourne Cup is his go, but has to be respected here.
Johannes Vermeer
Breeding: Galileo x Inca
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Nationality: Irish
Weight: 52.5kg
Career Stats: 12: 4-2-2
2400m Stats: 1: 0-1-0
Winning Max Distance: 2011m (International Stakes), July 2 2017, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 8: 2-1-2
Wet Track Stats: 4: 2-1-0
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $41
Short Summary: Can Aidan O’Brien crack the Cups and complete the CV?
Second Last Start (1st)- Group lll International Stakes (2011m), July 2 2017, Curragh, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Very impressive win I thought in a race that had good depth. Had the box seat run throughout before Ryan Moore angled him clear and he won under strong hands and heels with Moore not needing the win. The ratings were much better than that of Rekindling/Wicklow Brave in the Curragh Cup on the same program.
Last Start (2nd)- Group lll Ballyroan Stakes (2414m), August 10 2017, Leopardstown, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Soft Surface
Just got in a bad spot near the fence behind a plodder. The leader was an $8 chance and he certainly was no pace maker. He was in the market and was just given a picnic in front. Spanish Steps is no mug and has run well in strong races twice since, so this form has held up well.
Final Thought: He’s the unknown. He has the form with Highland Reel and Minding in the form guide, and that is world class form. Wouldn’t say he has gears, but he looks as though he will stay all day, he has upside and he must be respected if Aidan O’Brien has thought highly enough of him to bring him down under.
Kidmenever
Breeding: Baltic King x Pepys Tillergirl
Trainer: Charlie Appleby
Nationality: English
Weight: 50.5kg
Career Stats: 24: 5-6-3
2400m Stats: 3: 1-1-0
Winning Max Distance: 2400m (Swiss Derby), June 12 2016, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 19: 4-6-2
Wet Track Stats: 5: 1-0-1
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $51
Short Summary: Charlie Appleby form who needs to improve on form.
Second Last Start (3rd)- Listed Wolferton Handicap (2004m), June 24 2017, Ascot, Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Horse in the Godolphin blue, blue cap just off the pace. Gutsy run I thought. Had to cover additional ground from around the 1000m onwards and at Royal Ascot, it was a big tick to get cover and launch late. Was a beaten horse 300m out but he fought on strongly. That was his first run since Feb 24, so a definite pass mark.
Last Start (2nd)- Listed Gala Stakes (2001m), July 7 2017, Sandown (UK), Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Jump to 17:37 for the race replay. Thought the run was full of merit in defeat. Given a lovely ride in the box seat most of the way but just lacked that turn of foot to go with Spark Plug. That horse is easy to tie in for Australian punters because in July last year, he ran fifth at Newbury behind Scottish, who ran a ripper in the Caulfield Cup.
Final Thought: Given he is down in the weights/order of entry, he would have to win a lead up to qualify. Never entirely put a line through a runner Charlie Appleby brings down under. But I have half a line through him. Just not sure his form is good enough to trouble them. But it will depend on how he settles into Werribee.
Mask Of Time
Breeding: Holy Roman Emperor x Mission Secrete
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Nationality: French
Weight: 50kg
Career Stats: 10: 2-1-3
2400m Stats: 1: 0-0-0
Winning Max Distance: 1900m (Derby Du Midi), May 27 2017, Soft Surface
Dry Track Stats: 6: 0-0-1
Wet Track Stats: 4: 2-1-1
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $67
Short Summary: #raindance
Second Last Start (5th)- Listed Prix De Tourgeville (1600m), August 1 2017, Deauville, Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
He is the horse near last on the fence in the white sleeves and cap. I think you have to forgive and forget he went around. The leader was 20+ lengths in front and just stole it from the front, giving nothing a look in, including Mask Of Time, who didn’t like that scenario at all and just whacked away.
Last Start (6th)- Group ll Prix Giullaume (2000m), August 15 2017, Deauville, Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
This race can be somewhat of a guide for Australian punters. Gailo Chop won it in 2014 and the Kris Lees trained Slow Pace placed in 2011. No disgrace here I thought in running sixth, and closing off okay, behind Eminent, who is a world class horse, so this is good form. Again lacked the turn of foot but was sound late.
Final Thought: He hasn’t been chucked a nom for all the majors. He’s only nominated for the Caulfield Cup so there is intent to specifically target this race, and he’s in the right stable given Maher won it with Jameka last year. But his chances will rely on the weather. He comes into play as a knockout chance if we get rain.
Marmelo
Breeding: Duke Of Marmalade x Capriolla
Trainer: Hughie Morrison
Nationality: English
Weight: 55kg
Career Stats: 10: 3-4-1
2400m Stats: 2: 1-1-0
Winning Max Distance: 3000m (Prix Kergolay), August 20 2017, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 7: 2-4-1
Wet Track Stats: 3: 1-0-0
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $41
Short Summary: Perhaps a barrier trial for the Melbourne Cup.
Second Last Start (2nd)- Group ll Maur De Nieull (2800m), July 14 2017, Saint Cloud, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
He is the horse in the yellow colours, blue cap. Very good run. Trucked up okay throughout and looked to travel well into the straight. Got clear and lacked the turn of foot but his final 250m was excellent, hitting the line with real purpose. Excellent run in a high class race.
Last Start (1st)- Group ll Prix Kergorlay (3000m), August 20 2017, Deauville, Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
American and Protectionist won this race before winning the Melbourne Cup. I’m not sure what to make of his win. He won it impressively, but let’s be honest- He absolutely walked them in front and dashed the final three furlongs. But, he was still good in winning, still getting the job done, and has definitely earned a ticket down under.
Final Thought: I think the Melbourne Cup is more his go because I think they might be a bit sharp for him at 2400m. But he is a high class animal, with upside, he finds the line with purpose and he is a winner. Wouldn’t rule him out.
Riven Light
Breeding: Riven’s Pass x Vivacity
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Nationality: Irish
Weight: 50.5kg
Career Stats: 18: 6-3-3
2400m Stats: 1: 0-0-1
Winning Max Distance: 3258m (Maiden Hurdle), December 1 2016, Soft Surface
Dry Track States: 2: 0-0-1
Wet Track Stats: 16: 6-3-2
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $51
Short Summary: A jumper with a turn of foot that represents value ala Heartbreak City.
Second Last Start (1st)- Meadowview Stables Handicap (1800m), August 31 2017, Tipperary, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Soft Surface
To make it easy for Australian punters, I’d call this something similar to a midweek metro race. Didn’t beat much, time was ordinary, but I liked the way he put them away and did it with a bit in hand to the eye.
Last Start (1st)- Listed Listowel Stakes (1810m), September 13 2017, Listowel, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Heavy Surface
2:12 to watch the replay. Dominant win again I thought. Kevin Manning had him at the right spot, ready to pounce and once he was asked, he put them away and comfortably held them to continue the picket fence.
Final Thought: He’s a hard one to assess. He is winning, albeit not beating much, but his jumps form is near top shelf, much like Heartbreak City last year in the Melbourne Cup. Not sure he is as good as that horse, but he has the upside, the winning strike rate, handles all conditions and can dash.
Sixties Groove
Breeding: Sixties Icon x Gift Dancer
Trainer: Andreas Wohler
Nationality: German
Weight: 50kg
Career Stats: 12: 3-1-1
2400m Stats: 2: 0-0-0
Winning Max Distance: 2212m (Handicap), November 9 2016, Synthetic Surface
Dry Track Stats: 11: 3-1-0
Wet Track Stats: 1: 0-0-1
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $81
Short Summary: Travel companion for Red Cardinal.
Second Last Start (5th)- Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap (2405m), June 23 2017, Ascot, Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
The horse second last on the rail. Race didn’t appear strong but this was an eye catching effort I thought, making up ground with purpose late to run fifth. Time was good and the race rated highly for the Carnival.
Last Start (14th)- John Smith’s Cup (2062m), July 15 2017, York, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Bit of a forgive I would have thought. Just got stuck in no mans land for the race and was a beaten horse early in the straight. Race looked to have a bit of quality about it also.
Final Thought: He can snare a Country Cup or a low level blacktype race. I’ll be very shocked if he was to win here.
Steel Of Madrid
Breeding: Lope De Vega x Bibury
Trainer: Tony McEvoy
Nationality: English
Weight: 53.5kg
Career Stats: 13: 3-2-1
2400m Stats: 3: 0-0-0
Winning Max Distance: 2012m (Fairway Stakes), May 21 2016, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 10: 3-2-1
Wet Track Stats: 3: 0-0-0
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $41
Short Summary: 2016 form says yes, 2017 form says no.
Second Last Start (3rd)- Group lll Brigadier Gerrard Stakes (2012m), May 25 2017, Sandown (UK), Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
44:10 to watch the replay. Black and white stripes. Sat up on speed outsider the leader and looked to travel well. Took the front and kicked nicely, but just couldn’t shake them off and it took a couple of better class gallopers to overhaul him late. Effort was sound.
Last Start (Last)- Listed Midsummer Stakes (1609m), July 1 2017, Windsor, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Soft Surface
The mile looked a bit short for him to my eye. Just didn’t have the turn of foot to match it with them in the straight. Market said he couldn’t measure up and it was right.
Final Thought: Some of his efforts last year were outstanding in high class races. But he is not the same horse in 2017 and if he was to make the field, I think he’d be just making the numbers.
Wall Of Fire
Breeding: Canford Cliffs x Bright Sapphire
Trainer: Hugo Palmer
Nationality: English
Weight: 53kg
Career Stats: 13: 4-2-0
2400m Stats: 1: 0-0-0
Winning Max Distance: 2920m (Handicap), September 9 2016, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 8: 2-1-0
Wet Track Stats: 5: 2-1-0
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $41
Short Summary: A chance…that’s the limit.
Second Last Start (8th)- Group lll Belmont Gold Cup (3219m), June 9 2017, Belmont, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Firm Surface
Had to sit near the hot speed and took care of the leader but the majority took care of him upon straightening. Not sure a brutal two miles is his go. Still, a touch disappointing considering he was supported at odds.
Last Start (2nd)- Group lll Geoffrey Freer Stakes (2716m), August 19 2017, Newbury, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Soft Surface
Excellent run in defeat I thought. Should have gone close to winning given he got cut out for a run halfway down the straight and had to change course. Defoe has since finished down the track in the English St Leger, but it’s still good form.
Final Thought: The Melbourne Cup looks more his go, but if he was to run here and they went hard in front, he could launch late and be an outside winning hope.
Wicklow Brave
Breeding: Beat Hollow x Moraine
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Nationality: Irish
Weight: 54kg
Career Stats: 37: 10-4-5
2400m Stats: 1: 0-0-0
Winning Max Distance: 3420m (County Hurdle), March 13 2015, Soft Surface
Dry Track Stats: 17: 2-4-2
Wet Track Stats: 20: 8-0-3
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $81
Short Summary: Wait for the first Tuesday in November.
Second Last Start (4th)- Group lll Irish St Leger Trial (2816m), August 19 2017, Curragh, Clockwise Direction, Soft Surface
Seemingly looked to travel well enough in the run, but when it came to the crunch time, he couldn’t go with Order Of St George, who is one of the form stayers in world racing right now. Effort was okay in a high class race.
Last Start (4th)- Group l Irish St Leger (2816m), September 10 2017, Curragh, Clockwise Direction, Soft Surface
Trucked up behind Order Of St George most of the way and looked a minor threat when he popped out, but the beast just careered away and scored a dominant win. Wicklow Brave had his heart broken but stuck on gamely for fourth.
Final Thought: The Melbourne Cup looks more his go. Last time he raced at the 2400m was in the Hardwicke last year behind Dartmouth with Highland Reel in second. Still, he is a class animal.
Have Your Say: Which International horse is the best chance to win the Caulfield Cup? – Leave a comment below.
