Campbell Delighted With Cauthen

Trainer Andrew Campbell is delighted with classy colt Cauthen ahead of his second Australian start in the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

Clevadude

Trainer Andrew Campbell is confident that Cauthen can turn the tables on Clevadude in the McKenzie Stakes at Moonee Valley on Saturday. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia

Cauthen made his Australian racing debut in the Sweeney Can Do Agents Handicap (1000m) at Moonee Valley on August 3 and was well backed in the lead-up to the race, after winning by eight and a half lengths in New Zealand on debut, but finished second behind Clevadude after being hindered by interference with 500 metres left to run.

The son of Darci Brahma will have benefited significantly from his experience at Moonee Valley and Campbell told The New Zealand Racing Desk that he is thrilled with how the three-year-old has responded in his work leading up to the race on Saturday.

“He’s come through the race well and the three week break has been perfect,” Campbell said.

“I’m really happy with him and he had a good hit-out here and a bit of a blow afterwards.

“It’s a really great place here and James McDonald is coming down to ride him again so that’s got to be another positive.”

Cauthen has been included in the nominations for the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 12 and that remains the major 2013 Spring Racing Carnival goal for the talented youngster.

After running on Saturday, Cauthen is set to have a two week break before making his Flemington debut in the Listed Exford Plate (1400m) on September 7 and will then head to the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) on September 29 with his ‘grand final’ to be run at the same track a fortnight later.

Cauthen will have the chance to turn the tables on Clevadude when the duo clash again in the McKenzie Stakes on the weekend but he will also face stiff competition in the form of undefeated Darley gelding Long John.

About The Author

Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.