Is it a sign?
When Coco Fashion and Stampe race at Doomben they will be carrying a set of colours written into Caulfield Cup folklore.
The Chris Munce-trained duo will be decked out in the same silks – red with white stripes, black sleeves and cap – worn by the mighty Tulloch when he demolished his opposition in the 1957 Caulfield Cup.
Munce also enjoyed success as a jockey in the famous race, winning aboard Descarado for Gai Waterhouse in 2010.
On Saturday, Munce is hoping to break a frustrating run of minor placings with Coco Fashion who will have blinkers back on in the Madison Cleaning Services Handicap (1350m).
“We’re just lacking something with her and I don’t know what it is,” Munce said.
“She’s just a length-and-a-half off breaking through for a win.
“I thought I’d bring her back in distance and ride her a bit conservatively.
“She’s very fit so who’s to say she couldn’t get home over the top of them with the blinkers on.
“She’s racing very honestly. We just need to find that extra length or so to help her get over the line.”
Munce will also be represented in the same race by Wowsers.
“The key to Wowsers is he likes to get back and off the bit, be given galloping room at the right time and he’ll finish off well,” Munce said.
“They’re two live hopes going into a race like this.”
Stampe has drawn perfectly in barrier four for his return to racing in the Lexus Handicap (1200m).
“He always seems to take a run or two for whatever reason. His first up form isn’t that crash hot,” Munce said.
“He’s had two trials and he’s very well, possibly a little bit too well.
“He might be just a bit above himself but the good barrier should help to counteract that.”
Stampe is part-owned by Melbourne Cup winning jockey Mel Schumacher.
