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| Staff Writer |
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The Caulfield Cup, Australia's other great Cup, has been a must-watch since 1879, both as a prelude to the major one at Flemington and as a wonderful handicap in its own right.
Eighteen horses have entered for the feature race on the first Tuesday in November, and among them are seven Gr.1 winners, a handful of up-and-comers who will undoubtedly win one in the future, a Melbourne Cup hero who finally looks back to his best, and several vital chances. Incentivize, a former Queensland stayer who sparked the country with a series of staying victories last year, including the Caulfield Cup as the shortest favourite in many years, was confirmed as a champion in this event, making it particularly memorable. He had to sit out this year due to injuries, but the competition is much stiffer.
The nice part is that a lot of these crucial opportunities have a bristly appearance. If Saturday were to be an exact replica, with Knights Order in the lead, the Gr.1 Sydney Cup victor would be in the mix. In the 48 hours leading up to Friday morning, Caulfield received 55mm of rain, guaranteeing a Heavy 10 track grade.
Knights Order has five starts on heavy for two wins, a second, and a third.
The on-pacer has shortened from $16 with TAB after the barrier draws to $12 equal fourth favorite following the Melbourne downpour.
The perfect conditions and Knights Order’s tough racing style has buoyed Waterhouse’s bid to win a second Caulfield Cup.
“There won’t be any puffing after the post with Knights Order, there might be by the owners,” Waterhouse said.
“He’s big and strong, his racing weight is spot on, he loves the wet and the barrier is in his favor. He’s got a fabulous chance in the Caulfield Cup, all Adrian and I can say is bring on the Caulfield Cup.” Waterhouse commented further.
The 7YO will come in at least two spots, to barrier 16, after scratchings.
A wide Caulfield Cup draw can help as the field jostles for positions in the short run from the barriers to the first turn out of the straight.
Knights Order finished fourth last start in the Gr.1 Turnbull Stakes behind Smokin’ Romans.
Waterhouse, who trains in partnership with Adrian Bott, has saddled up 27 Caulfield Cup runners since 1992.
The legend fielded 19 starters over 18 years before the Caulfield hoodoo broke with Descarado on a Heavy 9 track.
The synergy between the wet and wild build-up then and now is not lost on Waterhouse.
“He’s a different type of horse than Descarado but gosh, it did rain that day, didn’t it. It certainly has come at the perfect time (midweek rain) Knights Order is a tough bugger, he’ll take a stack of beating,” Waterhouse said.
Waterhouse has had only seven Caulfield Cup starters since Descarado, with Tullamore (3rd, 2011) being her best result.