Places at a premium for Caulfield Cup run

The battle is hotting up to gain a start in the Caulfield Cup.

It gathers momentum on Saturday at Caulfield where the winner of the Group Three Naturalism Stakes is guaranteed a start in next month’s 2400m handicap.

Of the 28 horses nominated for the Naturalism (2000m), only Great Esteem is not among entries for the Caulfield Cup next month.

Great Esteem goes into Saturday’s race having won his past two starts, including the Listed Heatherlie Stakes on August 27.

Magnapal, chasing a second straight victory in the Naturalism, gained a start in last year’s Caulfield Cup with his defeat of The United States last year.

The United States is the highest rated horse and topweight in Saturday’s race.