Trainer Murray Baker has revealed that he does not want Dal Cielo to lead in the early stages of the 2015 Caulfield Guineas on Saturday.
Dal Cielo was only narrowly denied by Bon Aurum in the 2015 Caulfield Guineas Prelude. Photo by: Ultimate Racing Photos
Dal Cielo took up the running in the early stages of the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) at Caulfield on September 26 and he battled on bravely in the final stages of the race to finish third behind Bon Aurum and Tulsa.
The Per Incanto colt has generally been ridden close to the speed throughout his racing career, but Baker told Racing Ahead this morning that he would to see jockey Opie Bosson take a sit in the 2015 Caulfield Guineas this weekend.
“I would hope that he wouldn’t be in front,” Baker said.
“Last start was first time with blinkers and he jumped and ran a bit, but I hope he will settle off the pace a bit.
“It is a very strong field and I just hope that he can run a good race.”
Baker was worried that Dal Cielo’s tough run in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude would take a great deal out of him because he has generally had his races spaced during his racing career, but he was thrilled with the way that he came out of the run.
The leading New Zealand trainer admits that Dal Cielo faces a very tough assignment against the likes of Press Statement in the 2015 Caulfield Guineas, but he could not be happier with the condition of the three-year-old ahead of the toughest test of his racing career.
“He bounced through it,” Baker said of Dal Cielo’s run in the Caulfield Guineas.
“He has rather surprised us since he got over here, I think he wants to be an Aussie.
“We are happy with where he is.
“It is a strong test on Saturday and we will see if he is up to it.”
Baker has never previously had a runner in the Caulfield Guineas and he has the chance to record his first Group 1 victory in Melbourne since It’s A Dundeel took out the 2013 edition of the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m).
Dal Cielo is currently available at 2015 Caulfield Guineas odds of $9 with Ladbrokes and he is on the third line of betting behind Stan Fox Stakes winner Press Statement ($2.60) and Mick Price-trained Ready For Victory ($8).
You can score the best odds on the 2015 Caulfield Guineas with leading online bookmaker Ladbrokes, who are offering best tote or SP + 20% on every single runner in the Group 1 event.
