Rejuvenated stayer Brimham Rocks has earned a place in the 2019 Caulfield Cup with a first class win in the Group 3 $160,000 East Malvern Bendigo Bank MRC Foundation Cup (2000m) at Caulfield today.

Brimham Rocks, above, has earned a spot in the 2019 Caulfield Cup with his win in the Naturalism Stakes at Caulfield. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

Brimham Rocks, above, has earned a spot in the 2019 Caulfield Cup with his win in the Naturalism Stakes at Caulfield. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

The winner of the MRC Foundation Cup, formally know as the Naturalism Stakes, is expempt from the ballot for the Group 1 $5.15m Stella Artois Caulfield Cup (2400m) at Caulfield on October 19 and with only 52kg, Brimham Rocks has to be given a great lightweight chance.

The Chris Waller trained Brimham Rocks has been well beaten at his two runs back from a spell prior to today’s win with a tenth in the Listed $150,000 Rowley Mile (1600m) at Hawkesbury followed by a ninth in the Group 2 $250,000 Bob Ingham Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on September 7.

Winning jockey Michael Walker had Brimham Rocks ($21) travelling smoothly midfield before making a long sweeping move from before the home turn and proved too strong for his rivals with a one and a quarter lengths win over his stablemate So You Win ($12).

The well supported Sikandarabad ($3.90) ran into third spot while the $3.60 favourite Super Titus was never in the hunt to finish eighth.

Walker said that was not frighten to make a long run on Brimham Rocks and was confident that Waller had the six year old very fit for today;s assignment.

“He’s a good out-and-out stayer so I took it to them quite early because I knew Chris Waller would have him fit and ready to go,” Walker said.

Brimham Rocks’ price for the Cauilfield Cup has been slashed from $201 to $31 at Ladbrokes.com.au.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.