VETERAN Australian jockey Damien Oliver’s chances of winning a record-equalling fifth Caulfield Cup have been boosted after his mount Snow Sky drew well in Saturday’s Group 1 race.
After winning one of Australia’s biggest races four times through the 90s, Oliver is attempting to equal a long-standing record held by the late Scobie Breasley over the 2,400 handicap race.
Snow Sky is paying $17 with Sportsbet.com.au to help Oliver make history.
The 43-year old was circumspect when discussing the chances of his ride in Saturday’s feature race.
“It would be wonderful to win another one,” Oliver said.
“It’s been a while since I won my last one. It’s not an easy race to win, it is always a highly competitive race and he (Snow Sky) gives me a good chance.”
The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Snow Sky was winner of this year’s Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot in England.
Snow Sky drew barrier three in the capacity field at Tuesday’s draw.
“It’s a good draw,” Oliver said.
“I haven’t looked as far as how I’m going to ride him yet, but I’m happy with the draw and the horse’s condition. He’s a lovely horse.”
Oliver had his first ride on Snow Sky at Werribee on Sunday and was happy with how the workout went.
“He feels like a high-class horse and I couldn’t have been happier with the feel he gave me,” he said.
Oliver’s quest at Caulfield Cup immortality will be put to the test by race favourite Mongolian Khan after was allocated gate nine.
Mongolian Khan’s jockey Opie Bosson believes the barrier will suit the 2015 Australian Derby winner perfectly.
“It is ideal,” Bosson said of the barrier draw.
“We were hoping to be in the middle somewhere, we didn’t want to draw too far in but with the ballots we are set to come into six.
“I will try and stay out of trouble really.”
Bosson believes the horse is hitting full fitness after three spring carnival race starts and will be the horse to beat heading into Saturday’s 3 million dollar race.
He is coming up perfect,” Bosson said.
“In his last start with a bit of luck he should have just about won, but I was very pleased with the way that he hit the line.
“2400 metres will be ideal and he should be peaking at the right time.
Another horse given a chance in the big race on Saturday is New Zealand raider Volkstok’n’barrell, which impressed connections with some great track work.
Volkstok’n’barrell was only a length away from Australian Derby winner and Caulfield Cup favourite Mongolian Khan.
Rosemount Stud and Volkstok’n’barrell owner Anthony Mithen believes the visitor can shake of the disappointment of a lacklustre autumn campaign and make an impact in the spring.
“I don’t usually come out for track gallops and it is a long way from Geelong at this time of the morning,” Mithen said. “But gee I’m glad I came. He is where we want him.”
The New Zealand prodigy caught the eye in its trackwork leading into Saturday, with a blistering 23.9 final 400 giving connections hope the Cup could be within their grasp.
I’m happy with that because [trainer] Donna [Logan] has had a bit of a battle to get him fit,” Mithen said.
“He did extra well during his spell, so well we had to bring him back early.
“I’m up on my toes, I know the market says he is 30-1, but on the way he looks, his work this morning and the form lines, I reckon we are a big chance.”
The race has become one of Australia’s richest Thoroughbred horse races and with the biggest purse of its type in the world, at $3 million (AUD).
Performances in the Caulfield Cup are one of the possible qualification methods for a run in the Melbourne Cup, which is held 16 days later.
WilliamHill.com.au are offering a multitude of specials for the big race day on Saturday at Caulfield.
Not only do William Hill have a quaddie insurance bet, that gives you your stake back if your final leg fails, but an incredible money back special on the first four races at Caulfield if your horse finishes in the first half of the field.
Sportsbet.com.au are also running a money back special on the first four races at Caulfield, with money back up to $100 if your horse finishes within the first four.
2015 Caulfield Cup field and odds
Odds provided by Sportsbet.com.au
1. Protectionist, Brenton Avdulla, 58kgs $41
2. Snow Sky, Damien Oliver, 58kgs $17
3. Fame Game, Zac Purton, 57kgs $8
4. Our Ivanhowe, Ben Melham, 56kgs $15
5. Hokko Brave, Craig Williams, 55.5kgs $10
6. Mongolian Khan, Opie Bosson, 55kgs $4.80
7. Trip To Paris, Tommy Berry, 55kgs $31
8. Who Shot Thebarman, Blake Shinn, 54.5kgs $19
9. Grand Marshal, Jim Cassidy, 53.5kgs $51
10. Royal Descent, Glen Boss, 53.5kgs $16
11. Volkstok’n’barrell, Craig Newitt, 53.5kgs $31
12. Hauraki, James McDonald, 53.5kgs $8.50
13. Lucia Valentina, Dwayne Dunn, 53.5kgs $26
14. Rising Romance, Damian Lane, 53.5kgs $13
15. Magicool, James Winks, 52kgs $126
16. Gust Of Wind, Chad Schofield, 51kgs $17
17. Set Square, Kerrin McEvoy, 51kgs $9
18. Magnapal, Dean Yendall, 50kgs $51
Emergencies
19. Quest For More, Tommy Berry, 53.5kgs $41
20. Complacent, 53kgs $18
21. Dibayani, 53kgs $71
22. Magic Hurricane, 52.5kgs $41
