The 2013 Caulfield Cup does not have as many European-trained horses as last year’s edition but, according to managing co-owner Darren Dance, Dandino has the class required to give Europe their second straight victory in the time-honored race.
Dandino has followed the same path to the 2013 Caulfield Cup as stablemate Jakkalberry who finished 13th in last year's race. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Dandino arrived in Australia three weeks ago and has been very impressive every time that he has worked at the International Equine Centre – finishing well clear of Cox Plate contender Side Glance when they worked together earlier this week.
Dance told Throughmedia that everything has gone smoothly for Dandino since he arrived in Australia and is confident that he will run well in the 2013 Caulfield Cup later today.
“He has been in really good order since he arrived in Australia and he appears to have travelled well,” Dance said.
“His two fast works that I have seen have really been outstanding.
“He is a pretty adaptable sort of horse and has an excellent record over 2400 metres.
“In his last ten starts he has either won or finished second; he is a real race horse, a real trier and a real professional.”
Dandino’s chances in the 2013 Caulfield Cup took a hit when he drew barrier 19 at the barrier draw on Wednesday and has drifted substantially in betting.
The Dansili entire will be ridden by Craig Williams, who won the 2012 Caulfield Cup from the outside barrier on Dunaden, and Dance believes the leading jockey is good enough to give the six-year-old his chance this weekend.
“You are buying these horses for a lot of money and travelling them all around the world for races and you can to tick every box and eliminate the risk,” Dance said.
“Engaging one of the best jockeys in the country is very important to try and make sure that you give the horse every possible chance.
“If there is no speed he is going to be fairly forward in the field and I know the sectionals he can run over the last 800m – it is going to be very hard for something to run him down if he is in that sort of form.
“If they go quick hopefully we can slot in and let him unleash at the 800m.”
Dandino will join Taufan’s Melody (1998), All The Good (2008) and Dunaden (2012) as the only European-trained horses to win the Caulfield Cup if he is victorious this afternoon.
