Punters have continued to rally around Snow Sky for success in his Australian racing debut in Melbourne the afternoon; seeing the talented British raider into 2015 Caulfield Cup odds of $8.50 having opened at a quote of $11 earlier this week.
Champion jockey Damien Oliver will take the ride on Snow Sky in the 2015 Caulfield Cup. Photo: Adrienne Bicknell
Snow Sky has been a strong and consistent performer for notable British trainer Sir Michael Stoute since first appearing on course in 2013; posting an impressive five wins and four minors through fourteen career starts to date.
Capping an impressive 2014 campaign third in the Group 1 Ladbrokes St Leger (2937m), the Nayef entire returned this year for consecutive wins in the Group 2 Yorkshire Cup (2816m) and Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes (2414m) before placing sixth in the Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2414m) during the Royal Ascot Carnival in July.
Snow Sky has reportedly taken well to his time in Australia, flies fresh and will be very hard to beat in the Caulfield Cup with champion hoop Damien Oliver aboard.
Race favourite Mongolian Khan remains sole occupant of the top line of betting but has continued to drift in the hours leading up to jump; currently available at 2015 Caulfield Cup odds of $5 with Ladbrokes.com.au, having opened at a quote of $4.20.
Mongolian Khan more than announced himself to the racing community in posting consecutive wins in the Group 2 Waikato Guineas (2100m) and Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2400m) upon resuming this year.
Mustering a huge late turn of foot to post a maiden win at the highest level in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) on February 28th, the Holy Roman Emperor entire travelled to Australia for fifth in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) before returning to the winnerâs circle in the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m).
Having returned for a credible seventh in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) this time, Mongolian Khan has clearly relished a continued step up in distance for fourth in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) and third in the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes (2000m) last weekend, and appears primed for a big performance this afternoon.
Group 1 winner Set Square has been charged with carrying only 51kgs in the 2015 Caulfield Cup and has continued to receive a sprinkling of bets for success; registering as $9 third favourite just over four hours from jump.
Capping an impressive debut campaign with success in the Group 1 Crown Oaks (2400m) in what was only her fourth competitive appearance at the races, Set Square returned in autumn this year for minor place finishes in each of the Group 3 The Vanity (1400m) and Group 3 Schweppervescence Trophy (1600m) before failing to fire in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m).
Running second amongst classy company in a Caulfield minor over 1400m first-up this time, the daughter of Reset has since finished fifth in the Spring Is The Season Handicap (1700m) and third in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m), and will relish a return to a mile and a half in the 2015 Caulfield Cup.
Japanese raiders Fame Game ($10) and Hokko Brave ($17) offer exceptional value for money at double figure Caulfield Cup odds, while Rising Romance ($10), Royal Descent ($18) and Brit racer Trip To Paris ($34) are all more than worth consideration.
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