Managing co-owner Darren Dance believes that promising stayer Seismos is capable of causing a surprise in the 2014 Caulfield Cup this weekend.
Craig Newitt will ride Seismos when he makes his Australian racing debut in the 2014 Caulfield Cup this weekend. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Seismos has been a consistent performer at Group 1 level in Europe for the past 12 months, but has been largely ignored in 2014 Caulfield Cup betting markets despite scoring an impressive win over Melbourne Cup hopefuls Willing Foe and Red Cadeaux in the Group 3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes (2670m) at Newbury on August 16.
The Dalakhani gelding is considered too dour by most racing experts to win the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), but Dance told Racing Ahead this morning that the six-year-old has performed well in trackwork since arriving in Australia and hopes he can be a factor in the finish of the Group 1 event this weekend.
“I think that he will surprise a few people,” Dance said.
“I know that the horse has been a lot sharper at Werribee compared to how he was back at home at Newmarket according to Paul.
“He is really thriving, he loves it and he is really keen to work with the other horses.
“Paul gives him a top six chance in the Caulfield Cup.”
Craig Newitt has been booked to ride Seismos in the Caulfield Cup and Dance believes that the aggressive riding style of the talented hoop will suit the tough stayer, who generally required hard riding to get going in the final stages of races.
Dance said that he isn’t too worried about the Caulfield Cup barrier draw, but hopes that Seismos and stablemate Dandino can both draw in the middle of the 2014 Caulfield Cup field to give them the best possible chance in the $3 million event.
“He is a horse that takes a bit of riding, especially in the last 300 metres, and we all know that Craig is a good strong rider,” Newitt said.
“He did get suspended at Cranbourne and scared the life out of us for four hours, but luckily enough he will be back for Caulfield Cup day.
“I think that you just want to draw well.
“Last year Dandino drew outside and ran second and had to cover a lot of ground.
“I think that if we can draw somewhere in the middle; anywhere from four to ten, but I would rather have 13 then 15.
“What will be will be, we can’t control that bit and we will just have to wait and see.”
Seismos is currently available at 2014 Caulfield Cup odds of $26 with Ladbrokes Australia, while Lucia Valentina remains a clear favourite at a quote of $4.60.
