Damien Oliver and Steven King, who have both blossomed with their Hong Kong experience, are poised to fight out the A$1 million Caulfield Cup (2,400 metres) at Caulfield today. Oliver, who has received a leave pass from Happy Valley, will be aboard last year's Caulfield and Melbourne Cups hero Doriemus while King will ride this year's Sydney Cup winner Count Chivas. Both Doriemus and Count Chivas are prepared by leading trainer Lee Freedman, who has won three of the past four Caulfield Cups and is confident of winning again.
According to Freedman there is little between the pair: 'I don't have any doubt that Doriemus and Count Chivas are the two best stayers in the race,' he said. 'They both have the services of top jockeys; they're fit; they've drawn well and they'll both be able to take up forward positions early on.
'I couldn't ask for any more going into the race. So, in the end, I think track conditions might be the decider. 'On a dry track I would favour Count Chivas ahead of Doriemus, but it would be a different matter, if it is wet.' With the likelihood of firm going Doriemus, who last night was being quoted as a 5-1 favourite, can be expected to ease given Freedman's opinion. On the other hand Count Chivas, who is at 8-1, will more than likely firm.
The obvious threat to the pair is the Gai Waterhouse-trained Nothin' Leica Dane, who won last year's Victoria Derby before finishing a courageous second to Doriemus in the Melbourne Cup. Nothin' Leica Dane, who will be ridden by Shane Dye, has drawn barrier 14 but this should not worry him unduly. Other chances in the event include Darren Beadman's mount Saleous; the Waterhouse stable's Metropolitan Handicap winner Hula Flight; last year's runner up Beaux Art and The Phantom Chance, who will be ridden by Patrick Payne.
A strict adherence to the rules by the Japanese Racing Association could lead to the Gai Waterhouse stable's Juggler contesting the Hong Kong International Cup (1,800 metres) on December 8. After Juggler - now arguably Australia's best racehorse - brilliantly won the Group One Caulfield Stakes (2,000 metres) last weekend Waterhouse attempted to lodge a late entry for the Japan Cup (2,400 metres) on November 24. But JRC officials said entries had closed on October 8 . . . and that was that. As a result Waterhouse is thinking about whether to aim the five-yar-old for the International Cup. She will reach a decision after Juggler runs in the Group One A$1.5 million Cox Plate (2,040 metres) at Moonee Valley next Saturday. 'If he comes through the Cox Plate the way I expect then I'll have a close look at the International Cup,' said Waterhouse.
