The 2017 Caulfield Cup is just around the corner and as is the case every Spring, the international brigade are here and they mean business, with several leading chances in one of the best 2400m races in the world.
Here at Justhorseracing, we’ve put together a preview of the key runners heading into Saturday’s Caulfield Cup Field.
1. Humidor
Breeding: Teofilo x Zalika
Trainer: Darren Weir
Nationality: Australian
Weight: 56kg
Career Stats: 19: 6-6-2
2400m Stats: 2: 0-1-0
Winning Max Distance: 2000m (Australian Cup), March 11 2017, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 9: 3-2-1
Wet Track Stats: 10: 3-4-1
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $6.50
Short Summary: If he does everything right, he just about wins.
Second Last Start (8th)- Group l Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), September 16 2017, Flemington, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
What more can you say about this. The win was simply world class, putting a world class field away despite doing his usual thing of wanting to lay in severely. Form out of the race has been outstanding.
Last Start (3rd)- Group l Turnbull Stakes (2000m), October 7 2017, Flemington, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Back to his old tricks once again. Wanting to duck in towards the rail and wanted no part of racing straight, costing himself second place IMHO. No disgrace running third to the great mare, but it’s a bad habit. A really bad habit.
Final Thought: If I knew he would run straight and was 100% genuine, I’d declare him. But after 10+ starts, Darren Weir can’t even iron him out, and if he can’t, nobody can. So he will keep being wayward, and in Caulfield Cups, you can’t do that and win.
2. Marmelo
Breeding: Duke Of Marmalade x Capriolla
Trainer: Hughie Morrison
Nationality: English
Weight: 55kg
Career Stats: 10: 3-4-1
2400m Stats: 2: 1-1-0
Winning Max Distance: 3000m (Prix Kergolay), August 20 2017, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 7: 2-4-1
Wet Track Stats: 3: 1-0-0
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $19
Short Summary: He’ll be better in the Melbourne Cup, but his work at Werribee has been very good.
Second Last Start (2nd)- Group ll Maur De Nieull (2800m), July 14 2017, Saint Cloud, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
He is the horse in the yellow colours, blue cap. Very good run. Trucked up okay throughout and looked to travel well into the straight. Got clear and lacked the turn of foot but his final 250m was excellent, hitting the line with real purpose. Excellent run in a high class race.
Last Start (1st)- Group ll Prix Kergorlay (3000m), August 20 2017, Deauville, Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
American and Protectionist won this race before winning the Melbourne Cup. I’m not sure what to make of his win. He won it impressively, but let’s be honest- He absolutely walked them in front and dashed the final three furlongs. But, he was still good in winning, still getting the job done, and has definitely earned a ticket down under.
Final Thought: I think the Melbourne Cup is more his go because I think they might be a bit sharp for him at 2400m. But he is a high class animal, with upside, he finds the line with purpose and he is a winner. Wouldn’t rule him out.
3. Johannes Vermeer
Breeding: Galileo x Inca
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Nationality: Irish
Weight: 54.5kg
Career Stats: 13: 4-3-2
2400m Stats: 1: 0-1-0
Winning Max Distance: 2011m (International Stakes), July 2 2017, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 9: 2-2-2
Wet Track Stats: 4: 2-1-0
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $7.50
Short Summary: Can Aidan O’Brien crack the Cups and complete the CV?
Second Last Start (2nd)- Group lll Ballyroan Stakes (2414m), August 10 2017, Leopardstown, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Soft Surface
Just got in a bad spot near the fence behind a plodder. The leader was an $8 chance and he certainly was no pace maker. He was in the market and was just given a picnic in front. Spanish Steps is no mug and has run well in strong races twice since, so this form has held up well.
Last Start: (2nd)- Group l Caulfield Stakes (2000m), October 14 2017, Caulfield, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
This was one of the runs of the day for mine. Got back, was wide on the turn, had many lengths to make up and got very close to knocking off the well backed Gailo Chop. This was an outstanding effort.
GAILO CHOP reigns supreme in the Group 1 @Caulfield Stakes! pic.twitter.com/b4E7Rzx8KT
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 14, 2017
Final Thought: He was the unknown but after last Saturday, he’s a major player here. He has the right names around him with Highland Reel and Minding in the form guide, and that is world class form. Wouldn’t say he has gears, but he looks as though he will stay all day, he has upside and he must be respected if Aidan O’Brien has thought highly enough of him to bring him down under.
4. Jon Snow
Breeding: Iffraaj x Orinda
Trainers: Murray Baker/Andrew Forsman
Nationality: New Zealand
Weight: 54.5kg
Career Stats: 16: 4-1-5
2400m Stats: 2: 1-0-1
Winning Max Distance: 2400m (ATC Derby), April 1 2017, Heavy Surface
Dry Track Stats: 12: 1-0-5
Wet Track Stats: 4: 3-1-0
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $15
Short Summary: Ticking over nicely. Does he have the turn of foot on a dry track to win a Caulfield Cup?
Second Last Start (1st)- Group lll JRA Cup (2040m), September 29 2017, Moonee Valley, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
He needed a confidence boost if he was going to be a contender and he got it under the Valley lights when winning the JRA Cup under a lovely ride from Steve Baster. Wasn’t the strongest race but good to see him back in the winners list. He needed a confidence boost if he was going to be a contender and he got it under the Valley lights when winning the JRA Cup under a lovely ride from Steve Baster. Wasn’t the strongest race but good to see him back in the winners list.
Last Start (3rd)- Group l Caulfield Stakes (2000m), October 14 2017, Caulfield, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Solid run in defeat when third to Gailo Chop. Like I said above, he doesn’t have a turn of foot but he will keep at it all day and will just keep whacking away, like he did here. The worry is that Johannes Vermeer gave him a start and a beating.
GAILO CHOP reigns supreme in the Group 1 @Caulfield Stakes! pic.twitter.com/b4E7Rzx8KT
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 14, 2017
Final Thought: He is another that needs a wet track if he is to be a serious contender, and the stats back that up. His best efforts have come on rain affected ground and on dry ground, he just doesn’t have the sharpness to go with them.
major player here. He has the right names around him with Highland Reel and Minding in the form guide, and that is world class form. Wouldn’t say he has gears, but he looks as though he will stay all day, he has upside and he must be respected if Aidan O’Brien has thought highly enough of him to bring him down under.
5. He’s Our Rokkii
Breeding: Roc De Cambes x Clerihew
Trainer: David-Ben Hayes/Tom Dabernig
Nationality: Australian
Weight: 54kg
Career Stats: 25: 7-3-1
2400m Stats: Untried
Winning Max Distance: 2000m (Frank Packer Plate), April 16 2016, Soft Surface
Dry Track Stats: 18: 4-3-1
Wet Track Stats: 7: 3-0-0
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $126
Short Summary: What is he doing here.
Second Last Start (8th)- Group l Underwood Stakes (1800m), October 1 2017, Caulfield, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Had the suck run behind a genuine speed and looked to travel well but as soon as the heat came on, he folded and finished last, beaten a fair way by Bonneval.
Last Start (8th)- Group lll Craven Plate (2000m), October 14 2017, Randwick, Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Another plain. Had the box seat trail in a slowly run affair and again looked to travel well but he couldn’t go with them and dropped out the last little bit.
Final Thought: Strong chance the Ambulance might beat him home. He’s struggling big time for form.
6. Sir Isaac Newton
Breeding: Galileo x Shastye
Trainer: Robert Hickmott
Nationality: Australian
Weight: 54kg
Career Stats: 17: 3-3-1
2400m Stats: 2: 0-0-0
Winning Max Distance: 2012m (International Stakes), June 26 2016, Soft Surface
Dry Track Stats: 11: 1-1-1
Wet Track Stats: 6: 2-2-0
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $81
Short Summary: Making up the numbers.
Second Last Start (6th)- Group lll Naturalism Stakes (2000m), September 23 2017, Caulfield, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Much better run from this bloke. Got back to near last on the rail, Olly hugged it, saved the ground and the horse reacted by finishing off with purpose late in the piece behind Harlem. Positive signs.
Last Start (5th)- Group l Turnbull Stakes (2000m), October 7 2017, Flemington, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Sat outside Magicool before putting that hack away before the turn but then he was left a sitting shot for the better class of runners, namely the champion mare Winx. Ran well, but clearly no match.
Final Thought: He ran really well without luck in the race last year. Is he going as well 12 months on? I’d say no. Hard to dismiss a runner from the stable in these big races, but I think we can put a line through this one.
7. Ventura Storm
Breeding: Zoffany x Sarawati
Trainer: David-Ben Hayes/Tom Dabernig
Nationality: Australian
Weight: 54kg
Career Stats: 16: 6-2-1
2400m Stats: 1: 1-0-0
Winning Max Distance: 2500m (Prix De Reux), August 7 2016, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 12: 4-2-0
Wet Track Stats: 4: 2-0-1
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $13
Short Summary: Has Caulfield/Melbourne Cup written all over him.
Second Last Start (6th)- Group l Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), September 16 2017, Flemington, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Not really wanted in betting but gee I thought his run was a beauty and this run was the confirmation he was on track big time for the Caulfield/Melbourne Cups. Had no luck at all in the straight. Should have finished much closer.
Last Start (2nd)- Group l Turnbull Stakes (2000m), October 7 2017, Flemington, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
If the Makybe Diva was the confirmation, this was the exclamation mark that he’s spot on. Clearly no match for Winx, but he still ran a mighty race and did beat home Humidor, and he meets that horse 2kg better off here.
Final Thought: I think the Melbourne Cup will be his main target, but it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he won this. His prep has been near faultless and I could easily back him at the $13.
8. Wicklow Brave
Breeding: Beat Hollow x Moraine
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Nationality: Irish
Weight: 54kg
Career Stats: 37: 10-4-5
2400m Stats: 1: 0-0-0
Winning Max Distance: 3420m (County Hurdle), March 13 2015, Soft Surface
Dry Track Stats: 17: 2-4-2
Wet Track Stats: 20: 8-0-3
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $34
Short Summary: Wait for the first Tuesday in November.
Second Last Start (4th)- Group lll Irish St Leger Trial (2816m), August 19 2017, Curragh, Clockwise Direction, Soft Surface
Seemingly looked to travel well enough in the run, but when it came to the crunch time, he couldn’t go with Order Of St George, who is one of the form stayers in world racing right now. Effort was okay in a high class race.
Last Start (4th)- Group l Irish St Leger (2816m), September 10 2017, Curragh, Clockwise Direction, Soft Surface
Trucked up behind Order Of St George most of the way and looked a minor threat when he popped out, but the beast just careered away and scored a dominant win. Wicklow Brave had his heart broken but stuck on gamely for fourth.
Final Thought: The Melbourne Cup looks more his go. Last time he raced at the 2400m was in the Hardwicke last year behind Dartmouth with Highland Reel in second. Still, he is a class animal.
9. Inference
Breeding: So You Think x Pontiana
Trainers: Michael/Wayne/John Hawkes
Nationality: Australia
Weight: 52.5kg
Career Stats: 15: 4-2-2
2400m Stats: 1: 0-0-0
Winning Max Distance: 1600m (Randwick Guineas), March 4 2017, Heavy Surface
Dry Track Stats: 8: 1-1-2
Wet Track Stats: 6: 3-1-0
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $15
Short Summary: Going well, a serious winning chance if there is a bit of cut out of the ground.
Second Last Start (6th)- Group l Underwood Stakes (1800m), October 1 2017, Caulfield, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Left flat footed on the turn and looked to be really struggling to pick up but you had to like his final 200m when finishing off nicely late and hitting the line with purpose.
Last Start (5th)- Group l Caulfield Stakes (2000m), October 14 2017, Caulfield, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Take the Underwood run, use and rinse it out. Identical. Though this run was more eye catching. It was a day where making ground was hard to do but I liked the way he picked up and ran through the line, like a Caulfield Cup horse.
GAILO CHOP reigns supreme in the Group 1 @Caulfield Stakes! pic.twitter.com/b4E7Rzx8KT
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 14, 2017
Final Thought: He’s racing well and looks tuned up to run a beauty here in the Caulfield Cup. My worry with him is his dry track form. It doesn’t read great and I think he does tend to save his best when he gets his toe. Weather forecast will determine his prospects.
10. Single Gaze
Breeding: Not A Single Doubt x Redaluca’s Gaze
Trainer: Nick Olive
Nationality: Australian
Weight: 53kg
Career Stats: 26: 5-5-3
2400m Stats: 1: 0-0-0
Winning Max Distance: 2200m (PJ O’Shea), June 3 2017, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 19: 3-5-2
Wet Track Stats: 7: 2-0-1
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $34
Short Summary: Racing so well…just lacks the killer punch.
Second Last Start (4th)- Group l Underwood Stakes (1800m), October 1 2017, Caulfield, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Sat on a pretty good speed here and was off the bit a fair way out but I loved the way she just toughed it out and kicked on courageously for a game fourth in what looked a hot race.
Last Start (4th)- Group l Caulfield Stakes (2000m), October 14 2017, Caulfield, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Again, nothing outstanding, no flashing light but she just kept on and was coming again late on the rail to miss out on the third to Jon Snow, though well held by Gailo Chop.
GAILO CHOP reigns supreme in the Group 1 @Caulfield Stakes! pic.twitter.com/b4E7Rzx8KT
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 14, 2017
Final Thought: Good luck to all concerned. It’s a great story considering what she endured in the Oaks last year with that nasty fall. She’s picked herself up and is now in the Caulfield Cup. She’ll run well…but not win.
11. Bonneval
Breeding: Makfi x Imposingly
Trainers: Murray Baker/Andrew Forsman
Nationality: New Zealand
Weight: 52.5kg
Career Stats: 11: 7-0-1
2400m Stats: 2: 2-0-0
Winning Max Distance: 2400m (ATC Oaks), April 8 2017, Soft Surface
Dry Track Stats: 6: 4-0-0
Wet Track Stats: 5: 3-0-1
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $6
Short Summary: The one to beat if she’s 100% fit.
Second Last Start (1st)- Group l Underwood Stakes (1800m), October 1 2017, Caulfield, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Big win from the mare. She was the first horse off the bit but was last woman standing, finishing best and beating a top class field despite only being second up and given it was her Caulfield debut, a track which can claim many victims at their debut.
Last Start (6th)- Group l Caulfield Stakes (2000m), October 14 2017, Caulfield, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Ridden as if she was in a barrier trial and ran accordingly. Put to sleep, poked her way through the field and finished off nicely without much room in the straight. She did pull up lame post race but as of Sunday morning the 15th, she passed the vet and appears all good.
GAILO CHOP reigns supreme in the Group 1 @Caulfield Stakes! pic.twitter.com/b4E7Rzx8KT
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 14, 2017
Final Thought: Deserved favourite, but that pulling up lame from last Saturday does linger in the back of my head even though she passed the vet test. On her form, and the manner in which she has been winning, plus what she did in the Autumn at the trip, she has to be rated highly and the market reflects that.
12. Hardham
Breeding: Redoute’s Choice x Nureyev’s Girl
Trainer: David Briedoake
Nationality: Australian
Weight: 52.5kg
Career Stats: 12: 3-1-2
2400m Stats: 1: 0-0-1
Winning Max Distance: 2040m (Alister Clark), March 17 2017, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 9: 3-3-1
Wet Track Stats: 3: 0-0-1
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $46
Short Summary: Surely not.
Second Last Start (1st)- Handicap (1700m), September 16 2017, Flemington, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
I thought this was a lovely ride from Nolen. Had the 1/1 sit throughout before finding clear air with plenty of time up the sleeve, waited, pounced, hit the front and kicked hard to win.
Last Start (2nd)- Inglis Cup (2000m), October 1 2017, Caulfield, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Face value, very plain considering he was taking on restricted horses, had every chance, yet was beaten convincingly by Wheal Leisure, a stablemate of Lord Fandango, an inferior stablemate.
Final Thought: I would have said rough first four contender after Flemington. But after the Inglis Cup, I couldn’t entertain him. Yes his lone 2400m run was a beauty in the Derby, but not sure he is going as well as he was then.
13. Boom Time
Breeding: Flying Spur x Bit Of A Ride
Trainer: David-Ben Hayes/Tom Dabernig
Nationality: Australian
Weight: 52kg
Career Stats: 31-6-2-7
2400m Stats: 4: 1-0-1
Winning Max Distance: 2500m (Handicap), December 17 2016, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 27: 6-2-5
Wet Track Stats: 4: 0-0-2
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $51
Short Summary: Bit of market support, but a win would surprise.
Second Last Start (3rd)- Group lll JRA Cup (2040m), September 29 2017, Moonee Valley, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Really good effort from the six year old. Was put to sleep on the fence by Mark Zahra before angling away, shoving into the clear and finishing off okay late in the piece without really looking the winner behind Jon Snow.
Last Start (4th)- Group ll Herbert Power (2400m), October 14 2017, Caulfield, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
This race was run at a brutal tempo and it really was survival of the fittest here. Boom Time was left in front and a sitting shot for those behind. Did a good job to stick on like he did.
Final Thought: He has raced okay in the past on the seven day back up before. He’ll jump, put himself into a spot close to a likely slow tempo…doubt he wins, but he is an outside place chance.
14. Abbey Marie
Breeding: Redoute’s Choice x Catshaan
Trainer: Mick Kent
Nationality: Australian
Weight: 51.5kg
Career Stats: 11: 3-1-0
2400m Stats: Untried
Winning Max Distance: 2000m (Schweppes Oaks), May 7 2016, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 8: 3-1-0
Wet Track Stats: 3: 0-0-0
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $21
Short Summary: Outside winning chance with luck in running.
Second Last Start (5th)- Group lll Naturalism Stakes (2000m), September 23 2017, Caulfield, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Pass mark for mine. Just had to do a bit too much work in the run and it was a meeting where those on speed/near the rail were advantaged, so it was a forgive run if you were on.
Last Start (8th)- Group l Caulfield Stakes (2000m), October 14 2017, Caulfield- Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Not sure what to make of this run. Yes she hit the line well, but she had every right to really given she was put to sleep out the back, and yes, she did hit the line, but it wasn’t a flashing light run of a horse bursting to win a Caulfield Cup.
GAILO CHOP reigns supreme in the Group 1 @Caulfield Stakes! pic.twitter.com/b4E7Rzx8KT
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 14, 2017
Final Thought: Mick Kent is one of the best when it comes to stayers. I’m just not convinced this girl is going well enough to win. The big tick for her is the weight drop down to 51.5kg. That will help her chances big time.
15. Harlem
Breeding: Champs Elysses x Casual
Trainers: David-Ben Hayes/Tom Dabernig
Nationality: Australian
Weight: 51.5kg
Career Stats: 14: 3-1-2
2400m Stats: 5: 2-1-1
Winning Max Distance: 2400m (Prix Frederic De Lagrange), July 5 2015, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 8: 2-1-1
Wet Track Stats: 6: 1-0-1
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $8.50
Short Summary: Ideal preparation for the great race.
Second Last Start (1st)- Group lll Naturalism Stakes (2000m), September 23 2017, Caulfield, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Aided by the bias and a sweet ride from Dwayne Dunn, but this win was dominant. He crushed them, the race rated highly and he ran brilliant time in spanking his rivals and earning himself a spot in the Caulfield Cup.
Last Start (5th)- Group lll Bart Cummings (2500m), October 7 2017, Flemington, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Not sure what to make of this run. First look, I was disappointed, but the winner was dominant in winning and he just couldn’t ping from where he was and giving away the weight and a start to a mare who can boom home. The run had merit.
Final Thought: Just wish I saw a bit more from him in the Bart Cummings. If he runs like he did here two back, he’s right in the game, and is another of these lightweight hopes who will seriously dash if cuddled and produced at the right time. He’s a definite contender.
16. Amelie’s Star
Breeding: Testa Rossa x Zazita
Trainer: Darren Weir
Nationality: Australian
Weight: 51kg
Career Stats: 17: 6-2-2
2400m Stats: 2: 2-0-0
Winning Max Distance: 2500m (Bart Cummings), October 7 2017, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 10: 4-0-2
Wet Track Stats: 7: 2-2-0
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $7
Short Summary: Best Australian chance in the race.
Second Last Start (4th)- Group lll Naturalism Stakes (2000m), September 23 2017, Caulfield, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Huge run in defeat from this mare. It was a day where making significant ground out wide was a near impossibility so for her to close off as she did given where she was on the turn…remarkable effort IMHO.
Last Start (1st)- Group lll Bart Cummings (2500m), October 7 2017, Flemington, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Stamped herself as a Cups horse with this win, and it was dominant. Market support late said she’d go close and the way she looked in the yard, she was ready to go. Ran up to her looks and powered away from the reigning Cup winner Almandin. This is the race that Almandin used en route to winning the Melbourne Cup last year.
Final Thought: I think she has to be respected in both Cups, but I dare say if she is to win one of the two, this would be her best chance. Hard fit, in form, handles Caulfield, no weight, has a turn of foot and she will be strong late. She ticks a lot of boxes.
17. Lord Fandango
Breeding: Lord Of England x Fitness
Trainers: Archie Alexander
Nationality: Australian
Weight: 50kg
Career Stats: 16: 5-2-1
2400m Stats: 6: 3-1-0
Winning Max Distance: 2400m (Herbert Power Stakes), October 14 2017, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 14: 5-1-1
Wet Track Stats: 2: 0-1-0
Caulfield Cup Price @ Sportsbet: $26
Short Summary: Won the final golden ticket…is he good enough?
Second Last Start (1st)- Benalla Cup (2046m), September 29 2017, Benalla, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Beautiful ride by Jordan Childs. Put the horse to sleep on the fence, peeled out on the turn and he just kept finding to eventually wear them down for a pretty impressive win considering he was only second up.
Last Start (1st)- Group ll Herbert Power Stakes (2400m), October 14 2017, Caulfield, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Secured his run in the Caulfield Cup with a win here. Not sure what to make of the win. Visually, very good considering how hard the race was run, but the horses around him, I’m not sure they’re A-grade material. Still, he toughed it out and that will leave him cherry ripe.
Final Thought: History says it’s unlikely he will win. But history does say he will run well and he has to. He ran the fast time on Saturday, he has upside, the stable is low flying, featherweight and he’ll be strong. He’s not there to make up the numbers.
