Touted as one to watch in his maiden assault on Australian shores this season, classy Japanese stayer Admire Rakti is yet to receive much more than a sprinkling of bets for success in the hours leading up to this afternoon’s feature race and has surprisingly drifted from a quote of $9.50 to currently register at generous $12 Caulfield Cup odds.
Rival jockey Craig Williams (Araldo) has identified Admire Rakti as a leading chance in the 2014 Caulfield Cup. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Securing a commendable total of six wins and a further eleven minor places from his 26 competitive appearances on course to date, Admire Rakti more than stamped his claims as a serious Cups contender when finishing second to leading stayer Gold Ship in the Group 2 Hanshin Daishoten Stakes (3016m) earlier this year.
Charged with carrying a race-high 58kgs, Admire Rakti has been identified as a leading chance of success by several of the Caulfield Cup’s big names; rival jockey Craig Williams believing the Heart’s Cry entire figures as the one to beat.
“You definitely have to be wary of the Japanese when they travel internationally,” Williams told the Herald Sun.
“Admire Rakti has clearly got the best form with his fourth in the Japan Cup last year.
“So he brings that form to our handicap even though he has been allotted the top weight. You really have to respect him.
“You have always respect the Japanese horse because not only are the bred, but prepared and trained to stay; that’s where their strength is.”
Firming in from initial Caulfield Cup odds of $11 after a favourable barrier allocation, Admire Rakti received some attention from punters on Tuesday afternoon but has since plateaued in interest; particularly following the shock scratching of fellow Japanese raider Bande on Friday morning.
Confirmed to be partnered by leading Hong Kong-based jockey Zac Purton, Admire Rakti will progress to the Melbourne Cup following this afternoon’s featured event, underlining the Caulfield Cup’s significance for the international tirade as a key form indicator.
