Dandino will take his place in the 2014 Caulfield Cup field and managing co-owner Darren Dance is hoping that the talented entire can go one better than he did when second behind Fawkner in the Group 1 event last year.
Dandino will carry 57 kilograms in the 2014 Caulfield Cup at the home of the Melbourne Racing Club this weekend. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
The 2014 Caulfield Cup was initially ruled out of an option for Dandino after he produced dour performances in the Listed American St Leger Stakes (2714m) at Arlington on August 16 and the Group 3 September Stakes (2414m) at Kempton Park on September 6, but after a lengthy discussion with trainer Marco Botti elected to give the Dansili entire another opportunity in the $3 million race.
Dandino has been one of the most impressive trackwork performers at the Werribee International Equine Centre since arriving in Australia over two weeks ago and Dance told Racing Ahead this morning that he could not be happier with the seven-year-old heading into the Caulfield Cup.
“He looks magnificent and we have been really happy with him,” Botti said.
“His coat looks tremendous, it has really come on in the last three or four days, and his weight is down to the same weight that he had going into the Caulfield Cup last year.
“According to the people down there and Craig Williams, they are really, really happy with his work.
“He hasn’t put a foot wrong since he has been here and all his gallops have been good and his action has been terrific.
“He has done everything right and all we want now is a decent barrier draw and a bit of luck.”
Craig Williams finished second on Dandino in the 2013 Caulfield Cup before English hoop Ryan Moore picked up the ride for the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200n) and Williams will be back on board the Group 1 placegetter on Saturday.
Williams has been able to develop a strong partnership with Dandino in the last 12 months and he is hoping that will give his leading chance an edge over the rest of the 2014 Caulfield Cup field.
“He was over at Newmarket and it was good that he was able to hook up with Marco Botti and get on the back of Dandino for a couple of pieces of work,” Botti said.
“It just cements that relationship between Craig and Marco and the horse and one would like to think that gives us some edge on Caulfield Cup day.”
Dandino is currently available at 2014 Caulfield Cup odds of $11 and is on the third line of betting with Ladbrokes behind Lucia Valentina ($4.80) and Bande ($9).
