Caulfield Cup - The Key Factors

Published: 16 Oct 2014

The barrier draw has taken place and the final field is assembled for the running of the 2014 Crown Golden Ale Caulfield Cup. The time-honoured Handicap will be the climax to a campaign for some horses and an important stepping stone to the Melbourne Cup for others.  .

As always, there are a number of Race Factors that will impact the result.

Tactical Speed

Tactical speed is often a Key Factor in the Caulfield Cup and most pundits have the Japanese raider Bande going forward to take up the running.  He has seen plenty of work at Werribee and connections will be hoping he can find a good rhythm early on. Others that can get 'handy' runs around the tighter Caulfield circuit are Lidari, Big Memory, Seismos and Brambles.

Cornering

The tighter Caulfield track will aid some horses, but may be the Factor that limits the hopes of others that prefer the larger, spacious stretches of Flemington. The Chris Waller runner Who Shot the Barman is yet to be proven at Caulfield, while Bande has the ability to handle tight turning tracks

Inside Horses

The big field will ensure a few horses find tight spots in the run and Sea Moon is an example of a galloper that prefers racing room. He gets an outside barrier, which helps, but will 'little' Lucia Valentia get knocked around in the pack?

The 2400 metre Distance

Stipulate is an interesting one, he looks like a stayer, but just seemed to taper last start. Green Moon is tough and has proven in years gone by that a demanding race make up is to his liking, while The Offer’s preparation finally has the distance to hit the ‘go’ button in this race. Junoob had some doubters before he produced an epic performance to hang on and win the Metropolitan. You know the overseas contenders will be eating up every metre they can get.

Agility

Nimble types tend to enjoy the Caulfield track and there are none more so in the field than the favourite Lucia Valentina and Peter Moody's Lidari. 'Little' Lucia is not a big mare, but the middle draw suits her racing pattern and Lidari won't be far from the speed.

Scope

Rising Romance is one horse that just keeps giving her all and is working into her preparation nicely. She has form around the favourite and is sure to be staying on late. But watch out for Who Shot Thebarman eating up the ground too. Brambles is the 'dark horse' that can continue to progress up in distance.

The Verdict

Bande will be bold, but 'little' Lucia will be charging! Don't dismiss Dear Demi, Who Shot Thebarman, Rising Romance, Stipulate, Brambles and Junoob.