Lee Freedman believes his imported German stayer Lucas Cranach is likely to take his place in this Saturday’s Caulfield Cup, despite reports of a serious foot injury.

The trainer said the problem was only slight and should be rectified by this weekend.

“He has a minor abscess on his foot,” Freedman said.

“It’s responded well.”

Lucas Cranach is said not to have missed any of his crucial Caulfield Cup training.

“He hasn’t missed any work,” Freedman said.

“He’s just had a cantered this morning and he’s back in his box.

“I’m quietly confident he’ll be there on Saturday.”

Freedman has not ruled out a shoeing change for the four-year-old in preparation for the Caulfield Cup and has also revealed his plans to enlist the aid of winkers in the race.

“Whatever we decide to come up with will be in the horse’s best interest and give him the best chance,” he said.

“We’re going to give him winkers.

“He was beautifully relaxed (when we trialled him in them)…and Corey (Brown) was very pleased.”

Freedman is hopeful Lucas Cranach will jump well from a barriers and be able to take up a frontrunner’s position.

“I would like to think he would be forward of mid field,” Freedman said.

“He’s got a great acceleration at the end of his races.

“It will all depend… on how he comes out of the gates.”

Lucas Cranach became well known to the Australian public when he was purchased by Australian interests following his three and a half length victory in the Group 2 Hamburg Stakes in Germany in June.