New Zealand colt Cauthen rocketed to equal favourite for the Caulfield Guineas with his explosive win in Saturday’s Essendon Nissan Mitchell Mckenzie Stakes at Moonee Valley.
Fixed odds operators have installed Cauthen as a $5.50 equal favourite with Prince Harada after he demolished his rivals in the Listed Race.
Trainer Andrew Campbell said Cauthen would head to the Henry Bucks Best Dressed Stakes (1400 m) at Flemington on September 7 before the Guineas Prelude a fortnight later.
Campbell praised James McDonald for his ride after the colt was tardily away from the gates.
“He’s a great rider and he copped a lot of flak last time when it wasn’t his fault at all, it was the immaturity of the horse,” Campbell said.
Cauthen, the $2.60 favourite, scored effortlessly by one and a half lengths from Shamus Award, $5.50, with three-quarters of a length to the fast finishing Long John, $6, third.
Campbell said the win was significant in boosting the prizemoney of Cauthen as that had weighed heavily on his mind.
“That’s why we came over so early rather than pressure cook him at the end,” Campbell said.
Cauthen holds a nomination for the Cox Plate, which he described as a “dream”.
James McDonald said Cauthen is now looking for 1400 metres and beyond as he felt the colt was “dour” during the run.
“But, as soon as he straightened up he changed leg and he just powered home. He’s a good colt,” McDonald said.
“He still struggled around that bend, but as soon as he straightened up, he got going.”
Craig Williams said Shamus Award ran well after being temporarily held up at the entrance to the straight.
“The winner got a run in front of him, but he finished it off nicely. The connections are going to have an exciting spring with him,” Williams said.
Steve Arnold said there was much to like about Long John which found the line strong after settling at the rear of the field.
Arnold said Long John would be better suited at a bigger track and over more ground.
– TVN
