The Impact of the Internationals

Published: 14 Oct 2014

Strength, class and stamina - Admire Rakti goes through his work at Werribee

The international raiders have already started to make their mark on Melbourne this Spring just as the last group of International contenders start their time in quarantine. 

Caulfield on Saturday saw the Andreas Wohler trained Protectionist reshape the Melbourne Cup market with just one run as the five-year old entire ran a slashing fourth in the Herbert Power Handicap in-front of Andrew Balding’s Lord Van Percy (5th). 

Expect the odds to keep changing as an even better class of galloper competes in the Caulfield Cup this week.

Who could ever forget the last Japanese raid on Australian soil where Delta Blues and Pop Rock staged an epic duel to the line in the 2006 Melbourne Cup. This year the Japanese are represented by Bande and Admire Rakti and they sit amidst the top of the market for both of our major handicaps. Dandino, Cavalryman, Mutual Regard and the old stalwart Red Cadeaux join a host of others looking to capture the riches of the Cups.

The local charge is led by 'little' Lucia Valentina and Gai Waterhouse's classic stayer The Offer. Lucia Valentina has performed impressively already this campaign showing her blistering turn-of foot-on both rain-affected and dry surfaces, while The Offer will only improve as the distances increase,  

The conditions for the race will become clearer and the hardness of the tracks is sure to be a topic of debate. The recent pressure from local trainers to water tracks further will be multiplied by a group of overseas trainers that are much more used to racing in Dead to Slow conditions week in week out.

All the form, the horses and the key race factors will be monitored by The Race Guide team as we head into the heart of the Spring. The build up to 'The Cup' has well and truly started.

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