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Craig Williams had his prospects of an historic spring carnival treble ruined by suspension 12 months ago.

But having claimed a thrilling win in the $2.5 million Caulfield Cup aboard Dunaden on Saturday, the in-demand jockey has started this spring in the right fashion to have another crack at the three spring majors.

Williams won the Caulfield Cup on Southern Speed and Cox Plate on Pinker Pinker in 2011 but was denied the chance to become the first jockey to win all three Melbourne spring majors in the same year when a careless riding suspension cost him the Melbourne Cup ride on Dunaden.

The French stayer won with replacement jockey Christophe Lemaire aboard.

While Williams was savouring his second-straight Caulfield Cup success, he already had an eye on the $3 million Cox Plate.

After being sounded out earlier in the spring about riding then unbeaten three-year-old Pierro, Williams decided to switch to Green Moon.

Damien Oliver believed he had the mount but came to a private arrangement with owner Lloyd Williams over the riding fee.

“I’ve done every major piece of work on him,” Williams told Sydney’s Sky Sports Radio on Monday.

“Even eight weeks ago I knew the Cox Plate was his target.

“He is a tough and solid horse and it will be an intriguing race with the three-year-olds.

Gai Waterhouse believes Williams has made a mistake with Corey Brown now dieting down to 49.5kg while Williams can eat without worry during the week.

Williams said he had been restricting his rides at the support meetings during the carnival after copping his 2011 suspension in a minor race at Bendigo.

“I will only target three races at Geelong on Cup day,” he said.

“If had to ride Pierro at 49.5, unless I had good rides in the three Group races I wouldn’t ride Friday night (Manikato Stakes meeting).”

The Turnbull Stakes winner, Green Moon is second favourite for the Cox Plate behind Pierro while Dunaden raced into outright favouritism for the Melbourne Cup with his win at Caulfield.

“I came into this carnival thinking I had a great affinity with him,” Williams said of Dunaden.

“I have an affinity with Green Moon as well. They are just horses that give you that feeling all the time, they just keep raising the bar. I’m now looking forward to Saturday to ride Green Moon in the Cox Plate.”

 
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