Written on Thursday, 06 October 2011 07:59
(Andrew Bensley is a leading commentator with Sky Sports Radio and Sky Racing.)
As we commence the three-day Caulfield Cup carnival, there is plenty of focus on the international horses in Melbourne.
On Saturday, the Luca Cumani stable will step out two of its four Spring contenders.
Former Chilean horse, Sahara Sun, will tackle the weight-for-age Caulfield Stakes.
Travelling foreman for the Cumani Stable, Charlie Henson, says they are still learning about Sahara Sun after he was purchased by OTI Racing's Terry Henderson and Simon O'Donnell only a few months ago.
His one run in Europe before travelling was solid according to Henson and he's come on in condition since then. At Werribee, Sahara Sun's track work has been encouraging.
Cumani's other runner on Saturday is Bauer in the Herbert Power.
Henson told me that for a horse that's travelled the world, Bauer is extremely well and there's no concern about him running 2400 metres first-up since his win at Haydock in early September.
Meanwhile, English trainer, Brian Ellison, has also arrived in Melbourne to watch his two runners at Caulfield.
Ebor winner, Moyenne Corniche, and Saptapandi are not qualified for the Melbourne Cup so their performances in the Herbert Power will be crucial.
Ellison was pleased with the way the pair looked on his arrival Wednesday and added both were capable of producing powerful finishes.
Learning from previous trips down under, Ellison says you require horses that have speed when running in Melbourne.
In the Herbert Power, Moyenne Corniche has drawn favourably just like he did to win the Ebor.
Saptapandi will need a good ride from Kerrin McEvoy, attempting to win from barrier 16.
*****
IN the Group One Toorak Handicap, Woorim will be racing for the third straight week but that doesn't concern trainer Rob Heathcote.
Last Friday night Woorim rallied late on an unsuitable wet track, but back to Caulfield and the prospect of a Good 3/Dead 4 surface, may be more suitable.
The other key to Woorim's chances is a massive drop in weight. He carried 61 kilos at the Valley and in the Toorak and drops to 55.5.
Canberra trainer, Matthew Dale, has the knack of taking the right horse to Melbourne and on Saturday he produces the lightly raced Not A Dancer in the Group Three Thoroughbred Club Stakes.
Not A Dancer has graced the track only three times but the two wins at Wagga have been quite impressive.
Dale has always held a high opinion of the horse and certainly isn't afraid of coming to Caulfield and meeting a number of horses that have raced a few times.
On type, Dale is confident that Not A Dancer can extend to 1200 metres.
*****
THE training partnership of Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra has three genuine runners at Caulfield.
With the Caulfield Cup field out early next week, Lucky Eighty Eight needs a victory in the Herbert Power to grab a slot in the Group One.
Simon Zahra said it's ‘D-day' for Lucky Eighty Eight but barrier 14 makes it extremely tough from the 2400 metre start.
The stable feels the horse will stay all day being out of a Jeune mare, with his other major asset being a good turn of speed over a longer trip.
Latest articles from BPL
-
One Hand, One Bounce Podcast
Wednesday, 23 May 2012 00:00
DAVID SIDDALL, MURRAY MIDDLETON & LOUIS CAMERON review England's triumph over the West Indies and consider…
-
Maroons sneak Origin 1 with controversial victory
Wednesday, 23 May 2012 00:00
A controversial Greg Inglis try with six minutes remaining sealed victory for Queensland in the…
-
Clijsters to retire
Wednesday, 23 May 2012 00:00
Kim Clijsters will retire from tennis following this year's US Open, reports BBC SPORT.
DAVID SIDDALL, MURRAY MIDDLETON & LOUIS CAMERON review England's triumph over the West Indies and consider…
A controversial Greg Inglis try with six minutes remaining sealed victory for Queensland in the…
Kim Clijsters will retire from tennis following this year's US Open, reports BBC SPORT.

Cumani unveils his overseas raiders

Falau played schoolboy footy for a school in Brisbane. He played for them and then made the QLD schoolboys team. Then while playing for the QLD schoolboys he was spotted...
Dunno so much about the vote robbing argument. Little Gary and Swan managed to win Brownlows despite the quality cattle they ran out with.
Erm to the author, whoever the hell you are (does that make Melbourne less of a sporting city because i have no idea who you are), the game was sold...
I usually agree with Les, but not this time. The bloke with the free kick/mark is supposed to have a clear 5-metre zone either side of him. If Johnson deviated...
Chris, Great response, exactly what I was hoping for. For what it's worth, I reckon the Bombers might just find a way to squeeze Hille in come September. Murray
You highlighted 2 NRL initiatives that benefit the Storm - playing Broncos at home 2 days after SOO (Storms backs will recover more than broncos forwards) and the 2 byes...
I like my NRL having lived in Sydney for 15 years. And I like my AFL. I went to an Origin match a couple of years ago at Etihad but...