Essential punting pointers as Pat Cosgrave bids for more Caulfield Cup success

7.15 Caulfield
Stella Artois Caulfield Cup (Group 1 Handicap) | 1m4f | 3yo+ | RTV

Brits take aim at big prize

Pat Cosgrave enjoyed one of the biggest victories in his career aboard Best Solution in the Caulfield Cup last year and bids to repeat the feat on the Ed Dunlop-trained Red Verdon.

The Ronnie Arculli-owned six-year-old finished in mid division when unlucky in running in the A$5.15m (£2.73m/€3.15m) contest last year but has twice been successful this campaign.

Red Verdon returned to action with victory in a conditions event at Doncaster before landing the John Smith’s Silver Cup at York on his penultimate start in July.

Cosgrave, whose sole previous ride on Red Verdon was back in December 2015 when winning a Wolverhampton maiden, said: “Red Verdon tends to have two ways of running, but when he’s on his A game he’s a good horse. If that’s the case he would have a definite chance.”

Red Verdon, is drawn in stall 15 yet could start from stall 11 with four reserves to come out of the field, defeated Gold Mount in the Silver Cup on the Knavesmire but the Ian Williams-trained six-year-old reopposes under New Zealand-born jockey Mark Du Plessis from stall four.

Williams said: “We’re very happy with the draw and conditions are a little on the damp side at Caulfield as well, which suits him well.

“His form on tight tracks over similar distances is very good. He’s fairly handicapped and hopefully will be in the mix.”

Glace bids for Japan repeat

Admire Rakti landed this top-level handicap for Japan five years ago and their hopes rest with the Hisashi Shimizu-trained Mer De Glace for a repeat success.

Damian Lane’s mount most recently won a Grade 3 handicap at Kokura in August but has to overcome a wide draw in stall 17 should all four reserves be taken out.

Lane said: “He has a good profile and is on the improve. It’s hard to gauge his form but if he brings his best he’ll be more than competitive. He’s off a winnable weight.”

Key Melbourne Cup clues

Finche heads the betting for the Caulfield Cup and Lexus-sponsored Melbourne Cup but is another market principal that will have to overcome a poor draw.

The progressive five-year-old arrives on the back of a short-head second to stablemate Kings Will Dream in the TAB Turnbull Stakes but jockey Michael Walker faces a stiff task in negotiating a smooth passage from his likely position in stall 15.

Chris Waller: runs favourite Finche and Brimham Rocks, formerly trained by Ralph BeckettCredit: Getty Images

Waller, who also runs Brimham Rocks, said: “Finche has exceeded my expectations with his last two runs. He ran an excellent race last time and goes to Caulfield well prepared and then hopefully to the Melbourne Cup even better prepared.

“Brimham Rocks was disappointing in the Metropolitan but prefers better ground. It’s a monumental task but he’s earned the right to be there.”

What they say

Ben Melham, jockey of Mirage Dancer
He seems pretty straightforward and has a genuine chance but a lot of it will come down to luck in running. He’s got that bit of speed you need and I’m happy with his draw [stall 13].

David Hayes, co-trainer of Constantinople, Rostropovich and Qafila
Constantinople is very exciting. We’re trying blinkers on him but I expect him to be better suited by Flemington. Rostropovich has been training really well and we got the tactics all wrong with him last time. Qafila has a low weight, ran well in the Herbert Power and could run better than market expectation.

Kris Lees, trainer of Mustajeer and Big Duke
Mustajeer has settled in well and up to this grade but it all depends on how he handles Caulfield. He’ll be better suited by Flemington but I expect him to run well. Big Duke has been training really well and this looked a better option for him than Sydney.

Also on Saturday

Last year's Criterium International winner Royal Meeting returns to action after almost a year off in the Group 3 Ladbrokes Moonga Stakes (6.30).

Cosgrave's mount defeated subsequent dual 1,000 Guineas heroine Hermosa when landing the Chantilly Group 1 last October but has been on the sidelines since after a spring setback.

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor said: "This race looks a good starting point for his Australian campaign.

“It will hopefully be a stepping stone to some of the bigger races later on and he will come on for the run.”

Martin Harley is also in action on Caulfield Cup day with one ride on Victoria Derby hope Warning in the Ladbrokes Classic (4.00).

Read exclusive previews from 6pm daily on racingpost.com and the Racing Post mobile app