Here’s something you don’t see in racing…anywhere really.
Race 3 at Caulfield on Saturday is a $125,000 Open Handicap over 1600m and boasts a truly international field.
For instance, there are 2 Aussie-bred gallopers in the field of 11.
Other nationalities are: Great Britain with 2 runners; New Zealand with 1 runner, South Africa with 1 runner, France with 1 runner and Ireland with the greatest representation of 3 runners.
The world of horse racing is shrinking and it has become par-for-the-course to see horses made abroad. But this isn’t a stakes race yet boasts a world class field.
DURETTO (GB) has won multiple races at Ascot in England, is a multiple English stakes winner and was 4th in the Gr 1 Caulfield Cup last year.
YULONG PRINCE (SAF) is a smart horse who has won at Gr 1 level in South Africa, has multiple stakes win to his credit and has raced the great Japanese champion Almond Eye.
CAPTAIN COOK (GB) is a Gr 3 winner in England when ridden by leading jockey Ryan Moore. Has had 3 barrier trials in Australia.
US ARMY RANGER (IRE) is interesting. Won only 2 races won at Gr 3 level but was 2nd in the Gr 1 English Derby when ridden by Ryan Moore. Has only raced twice in the past 2 years.
DOUGLAS MACARTHUR (IRE) has won at Gr 3 level in Ireland and has finished in top 8 of both the Gr 1 English Derby and Gr 1 Irish Derby. But hasn’t raced for 2 years.
NEW UNIVERSE (NZ) won 2 races in New Zealand and has won 5 races in Australia including last start at Moonee Valley over 1600m. Is Gr 3 placed.
GUIZOT (IRE) his first race win was at his 4th start and was in Germany. Has since won 6 races in Australia but was well beaten by New Universe last start.
BEAU BALMAIN (GER) might grow into a really smart horse. Has won at stakes level in Germany and has placed 3 out of 3 in Saturday grade since coming to Australia.
KING OF LEOGRANCE (IRE) looks very likely to be very smart. Just 5 starts to date, all in France and is already a stakes winner. Is versatile and must be respected. But hasn’t raced for 10 months.
SYLPHEED is Queensland-bred and has won 3 races.
SNITZPEG is NSW-bred and has won 5 races, 2 in Melbourne at stakes level.
It’s the changing face of Aussie racing.
