Confirmed in the final field for the feature race following the scratching of 2013 runner up Dandino, second emergency Araldo has shortened in price in Caulfield Cup betting markets with the confirmation race specialist Craig Williams will take the ride.
Araldo (centre) has firmed in 2014 Caulfield Cup betting markets. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Without doubt the standout performer in recent editions of the Caulfield Cup, Williams partnered classy mare Southern Speed to victory in 2011, Dunaden to a win in 2012 and Dandino to an agonizingly close second in 2013, and was set to continue to his affiliation with the Dansili gelding until swelling in his off-foreleg following work on Thursday ruled him out of contention.
Understandably thrilled to have secured Williams for Araldo’s Caulfield Cup tilt, trainer Michael Moroney told the Sydney Morning Herald he is confident his runner is a real chance of figuring in contention; who registers as a particularly good 2014 Caulfield Cup betting selection at current $41 odds for success.
“Craig has won a Caulfield Cup before and it was an easy decision,” Moroney said.
“We have a horse that will stay and I have always through that this race was perfect for him. Looking at the field I think there are half-a-dozen chances and I think we are definitely one of them.
“His form in Australian at 2400m and beyond is very good when you consider his only runs have been winning the Bart Cummings (2013) and running third in a Lexus (2013) and a Metropolitan (2014).
“It would have been frustrating to be watching the race on Saturday but now I don’t have to worry about that.”
Securing a commendable total of four wins and a further six minor places from his 14 race career so far, Araldo began his racing career abroad in Germany before transferring to the care of Moroney at the beginning of 2013.
Finishing outside the places just once in four starts in his maiden Australian campaign through the 2013 Spring, highlighted by a win in the Listed Bart Cummings (2520m), the High Chaparral entire has steadily built to the task over three starts this time in and appears primed to deliver as a long-odds Caulfield Cup betting selection after finishing third in the Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m) last time out on October 4th.
Charged with carrying just 53kgs, Araldo is currently available at generous $41 odds in Caulfield Cup betting markets having cut in from an opening quote of $51 at Ladbrokes Australia.
