Clevadude
Rick Hore-Lacy knows a good horse when he sees one. That’s why when he compared easy debut winner Clevadude to his former star Redoute’s Choice, people took notice.
The son of Bel Esprit cantered home at odds-on at Cranbourne over 1000m on December 15.
Two weeks later, he dominated his rivals again at Moonee Valley over the same distance.
Clevadude kicks off his spring campaign at that venue this Saturday, in what promises to be a great clash between a local boom horse and a gifted galloper from the Shaky Isles that has the Kiwis talking big.
Clevadude hasn’t raced since his total forget run in the Magic Millions on the Gold Coast. He was doomed from the moment Hore-Lacy drew out barrier 14 for him, and the predicted wide, torrid run in transit took its toll, as did the hot weather with the gelding winding up in 14th place.
Clevadude was allotted 60kg when weights were released this week, but the 3kg claim for Patrick Moloney will get him in well with 57kg.
His natural speed should see him get across from the outside gate and take a stack of running down.
While unlikely to be at his top, Clevadude was almost ready to race several weeks back, but Hore-Lacy has been patient with the Caulfield Guineas-bound three-year-old, and that patience looks likely to pay off on Saturday.
Cauthen
We have seen it time and time again where a boom horse has gone bust at its second start after a big debut win. New Zealand trainer Andrew Campbell will be hoping this isn’t the case with his exciting three-year-old Cauthen, who will run at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
A horse who has always had a wrap on him, the son of Darci Brahma didn’t let Campbell down on debut at Te Rapa back on July 3, winning by 8½ lengths over 1200 metres.
It was a devastating display. The winning margin increased over the final 200 metres with every stride.
Some may query the strength of that maiden field. However, three horses that finished behind him in that race filled the trifecta in a race at Te Rapa last weekend. The form appears to be strong to some degree.
Cauthen has reportedly travelled across well to Victoria and is stabled at Peter Morgan’s Whittlesea property with the Caulfield Guineas his main aim this campaign. Saturday’s race will be a pipe-opener for the Mitchell McKenzie at Moonee Valley later this month.
The only query with Cauthen is the drop back to 1000 metres and the tight Moonee Valley track which has proven the downfall of several talented horses in the past.
However with James McDonald in the saddle you know Cauthen will be given every chance.
McDonald’s class and Cauthen’s raw ability will carry the pair a long way on Saturday.
– Racing Network
