OTI Racing Director Terry Henderson is thrilled to have Lidari in the 2014 Caulfield Cup field and is confident that the imported galloper is a genuine winning chance in the Group 1 event at Caulfield on Saturday.
Lidari has been one of the best backed runners in 2014 Caulfield Cup betting markets. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
OTI Racing looked like they were going to be left without a runner in the Caulfield Cup field on Monday when both Lidari and Brambles sat just outside the top 18 in the order of entry, but they received a lucky break when talented mare My Ambivalent was removed from the race due to bruising on her foot.
Henderson said that he was delighted when it was revealed that Lidari would receive a start in the Caulfield Cup, while Brambles remains first emergency, and was also happy with the results of the barrier draw after he selected gate four for the imported galloper.
“We are drawn alongside a very good horse, a horse that I know very well, and I think that we both have a chance to be forward and make our presence felt,” Henderson said at the Caulfield Cup barrier draw.
“It is always a privilege to have a runner in races like this.
“This is what we all strive for, Simon and the guys that support OTI are great.
“When you can get a horse in the race and maybe a second one with a chance of getting into the race it is great.”
Lidari has been one of the best backed runner in 2014 Caulfield Cup betting markets since the barrier draw was conducted and is now into a quote of $15 after as much as $41 was available earlier in the week.
The Acclamation entire started his 2014 Spring Racing Carnival campaign with a fifth place finish in the Group 2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes (1400m), but he has improved at each start this preparation as he has stepped up in distance.
Lidari finished a credible fourth in the Group 2 Dato’ Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on September 6 and the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on September 20 before he was narrowly denied a maiden win at Group 1 level by Lucia Valentina in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on October 4.
OTI Racing are chasing their first win in the Caulfield Cup, but Henderson won the 1995 edition of the race with Doriemus as part of the Pacers Australian Syndicate.
