An impressive track hit-out at Caulfield this morning and the step up to 2400m will ensure that Dear Demi gets every chance to win the Group 1 $2.65m BMW Caulfield Cup at Caulfield on Saturday.
Crown Oaks winner Dear Demi is ready to peak on Caulfield Cup Day. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia.
The Clarry Conners’ trained mare has peaked at the right time with stand in rider Damien Oliver full of praise after riding the mare in this morning’s gallop.
“She is not normally a good track worker, but Ollie said she worked well and felt really good,” Conners told Racing Network.
James McDonald will be back aboard Dear Demi on Saturday with the mare having her fourth run this Spring campaign.
McDonald was the mares’ regular rider last Spring and the pair took out the Group 2 $175,000 Coolmore Furious Stakes (1400m) at Warwick Farm in September before running third to Norzita in the Group 1 $400,000 Coolmore Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.
“She steps up to her best distance and I believe all her runs this preparation have been good,” Conners said.
“All I want is a good draw and a bit of luck.”
Dear Demi showed glimpses of her best form two starts back with an encouraging third to It’s A Dundeel and Atlantic Jewel under weight for age conditions in the Group 1 $400,000 Hyland Race Colours Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on September 21.
Then Dear Demi put in a solid effort when beaten less than three lengths by Happy Trails in the Group 1 $500,000 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on October 5.
Conners regards the 2400m of Saturday’s race as ideal for Dear Demi who won the Group 1 $1m Crown Oaks over 2500m at Flemington as a three year old last year.
Dear Demi is one of twenty-two final acceptors for the Caulfield Cup with the final field being announced by the Melbourne Racing Club this afternoon.
As expected millionaire owner Lloyd Williams will have only one runner, Fawkner, electing to keep Green Moon and Sea Moon for the Group 1 $3m Sportingbet Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley the following Saturday.
With original topweight Green Moon, 58kgs, and Sea Moon, 57kgs not accepting, the Peter Moody trained Managher will carry the mandatory 58kgs topweight after the weights were raised 1.5kgs.
Dear Demi has been marked a $15 chance in the Caulfield Cup alongside of Fawkner with the Chris Waller trained Hawkspur heading up the market order at $4.
Royal Descent, now to carry 54kgs with Nash Rawiller to ride, is on the second line of betting with English galloper Dandino at $7 with Kiwi mare Silent Achiever at $8.
