Lucas Cranach is a drifter in Caulfield Cup betting despite being given the all clear to run after an injury scare.
Until this week, the Anthony Freedman-trained German import had been the solid second favourite behind December Draw but was out to $12 from $7 on Friday with TAB Sportsbet.
In first markets he was $101 and he has been heavily supported in the weeks since being purchased by Australian interests.
Hong Kong stayer Mighty High ($9) was promoted to second elect on Friday with Newcastle Cup winner Green Moon ($11) also above Lucas Cranach.
Racing Victoria vets inspected Lucas Cranach on Friday morning and passed him fit.
He will race with bar plates on in front with chief steward Terry Bailey saying the problem was a quartered hoof not an abscess as had been reported.
“He is recovering from a quarter crack in his heel,” Bailey told Sydney’s Sky Sports Radio.
“It was reported by the stable it was a foot abscess which is similar but the right diagnosis is that he quartered a heel.”
Freedman said the issue had been overstated.
“He got through the vet without any issues,” he said.
“I wasn’t as concerned as some out there but it’s nice to have it behind us.”
The trainer said his biggest concern was whether the horse would be suited by Caulfield and indicated he would be ridden more forward than he had in Europe where he dropped out early and finished powerfully.
“The only concern we’ve got is Caulfield, his racing pattern probably isn’t lent to Caulfield.
“I imagine he will be midfield, I wouldn’t have thought he’d be any closer than that.
“It’s difficult to assess because all his runs he’s been taken straight to the back and I’m not convinced that’s where he needs to be.
“We’ve altered his training and his diet so he may have a bit more tactical speed than he’s had in the past.”
Lucas Cranach has won five of his nine starts, four at the 2400 metres of the Caulfield Cup, and finished fifth at his most recent appearance in a Group One race in Germany won by subsequent Arc winner Danedream.
Bailey said the Lloyd Williams-owned Green Moon would not lead as he did to win the Newcastle Cup with Nick Hall to be instructed to put him where he was most comfortable.
AAP TURF
