Wohler has faith in Articus to produce a top four finish in the Caulfield Cup
Trainer Andreas Wohler has faith in Articus to produce a top four finish in the 2016 Caulfield Cup.
Articus has pleased Wohler ahead of Saturday’s 2400m handicap since the German horseman arrived in Melbourne at the weekend.
The five-year-old will be having his second start for Wohler after being bought by Australian Bloodstock earlier in the year.
The trainer and owners combined to win the 2014 Melbourne Cup with Protectionist.
Articus is nearing the end of his two-week quarantine stay at Werribee and Wohler said the horse had handled himself well since arriving in Australia.
“The horse is in great condition. He’s fresh. He’s well,” Wohler said.
“You do all the work and the travelling to have a good run and if it doesn’t happen it’s a matter of circumstance.
“You need a bit of luck as well so when everything goes right hopefully he’ll finish in the first four.”
There has been a consistent flow of money for the French-bred stayer who sits on the fourth line of betting at $8.50.
Jameka heads the market at $3.40 ahead of Scottish at $7.50 and Real Love at $8.
The four horses are the only runners under $10 with the Aidan O’Brien-trained Sir Issac Newton next pick at $11.
Wohler said he would not give Hong Kong-based Australian jockey Zac Purton too many instructions from barrier 11.
“The barrier draw could have been worse. We wanted to have one in the middle but he’s not far from the middle,” Wohler said.
“You can’t tie a jockey down. You can give him some advice on what he can do but in the end that’s why you have a good jockey.”
Wohler says he doesn’t know how to compare the European form with that of the Australian runners, but is confident Articus is in top shape and ready to run well.
