Melbourne’s premier trainer Peter Moody has laid it down to the Caulfield Cup favourite Glencadam Gold, declaring the Sydney stayer won’t get things his own way in Saturday’s Group One feature.
With a hint of old-fashioned, inter-city rivalry, Moody suggested Glencadam Gold may have had it easy in his recent Sydney runs, a situation that won’t exist at Caulfield.
Glencadam Gold winning the Listed Premier's Cup at Rosehill - Photo by Steve Hart
“He’s looked good in Sydney,” Moody said.
“But I know my horse Voila Ici will go forward in the race, so Glencadam Gold is going to have to withstand more pressure than I think he’s seen in Sydney,” he said.
“He might be able to do that, he might thrive on it.
“But we’re not going to run and hide.”
Glencadam Gold is the clear and obvious favourite for Saturday’s $2.5 million race after winning his only four Australian starts, the latest in the Metropolitan at Randwick when he led throughout to score by almost four lengths.
But the imported galloper is facing by far his most serious examination at Caulfield on Saturday.
And Moody has the numbers and the quality to make it a thorough test.
In his quest for his first “major” of the Melbourne spring carnival, Moody will saddle the imported pair Voila Ici and Sneak a Peak and the local mare Lights Of Heaven.
Moody’s pick of his three runners is Brisbane Cup winner Lights Of Heaven who he says is a more mature mare than when one of the early favourites for last springs big Cups but didn’t stand up to the intense preparation.
“Voila Ici and Sneak A Peek have only been with us for a short time and we’re still learning about them,” he said.
“She’s in her fourth preparation now, we’ve learnt about her.
“She was too immature last spring, but this she’s raced particularly well in the autumn and winter in Queensland and she spelled super.
“I haven’t hidden my admiration for her the whole way through.”
If Lights Of Heaven was to put a foot wrong, Voila Ici and Sneak A Peek are able back-ups.
“Voila Ici has progressed each run and everything indicates that a mile-an-a-half around Caulfield will suit him,” he said.
“And Sneak A Peek has shown at home he’s been able to hold his own with the likes of Voila Ici and Manighar, so if he had the right run he could go very well.”
When the final field was declared on Tuesday, there was no surprises among the 18 horses to face the starter in the world’s richest 2400m handicap race.
Alcopop and Moudre secured the final two places with Sabrage the first of four emergencies.
