Fawkner Park gets a look at Caulfield racecourse

Posted by RS NewsWire at 4:59pm on August 28th

Caulfield Cup favourite Fawkner Park has been given his first look at the track where the Group 1 race is set to be held.

The Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald-trained galloper had his first look at Caulfield on Tuesday as part of his build up to the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 19.

Fawkner Park heads the market at $11 with betting apps ahead of Derby winning recently turned four-year-olds Riff Rocket and Warmonger, both at $13 with bookies.

Neasham, who was at Caulfield on Tuesday to watch Fawkner Park go through his paces, said the gelding arrived in Melbourne late last week and will get plenty of opportunities of galloping at Caulfield in preparation for one of Australia’s toughest handicap contests.

Fawkner Park has raced only once left-handed since making his Australian debut in May last year, finishing fourth in the Australian Cup Prelude at Flemington in March.

Following that outing, Fawkner Park went on a winning spree, claiming the Albury Cup, the Wagga Cup before running third in the Group 1 Doomben Cup.

Fawkner Park leapt to the top of markets for the Caulfield Cup after claiming the ‘win-and-you’re-in’ Group 2 Q22 (2200m) at Eagle Farm in June.

The Q22 was won last year by Without A Fight who went on to claim the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup double.

Neasham said the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on September 21 was likely to be Fawkner Park’s Spring starting point.

“He’s just got to get used to going left-handed and we thought it was a good opportunity to bring him here and have a look around,” Neasham said.

“He’s only had one trial, so he’s got another trial to go before we see him at the races and the more I give him a look around here, the better.

“He might come back for a jump-out next week. The jump-outs are only over 800 metres, which is a bit annoying, so we’ll have to run through right through the line.

“He won’t be wound-up first-up, it’s all about the Caulfield Cup for him to be peaking and the Underwood will be a nice starting point for him.”

More Racing News

Wide draw an unwanted barrier for Manaal in the Light Fingers Stakes

A sparse spring and an extended break have provided an ideal foundation for standout filly Manaal to make her presence felt in the Sydney autumn carnival, beginning with the Light Fingers Stakes. With owners Emirates Park eager to keep the three-year-old in racing beyond this season, trainer Michael Freedman decided to...

Today

G1 Tancred Stakes a target for trouble-free Arapaho

Staying talent Arapaho may not be expected to challenge frontrunners like Via Sistina and Ceolwulf in his season opener at the Apollo Stakes, but trainer Bjorn Baker remains positive about his long-term campaign. After a difficult 18 months following his 2023 Tancred Stakes victory, Arapaho returned to form last spring, closing...

Today

Magic Time read to go in the Expressway Stakes

With six career victories and over $2.6 million in prize earnings, Magic Time has proven to be an exceptional mare. Trainer Grahame Begg is convinced she has returned to the stables in even better shape. The dual Group 1 winner is set to launch her latest campaign in the Expressway Stakes...

Today

Watson plans to Storm Away with the Magic Millions WA Classic

Storm Away delivered a strong first-up performance on debut at Ascot last Saturday. Trained by Mitchell Pateman, the gelding finished second but left a lasting impression despite the narrow defeat. After breaking slowly and racing wide, he surged to the front but was edged out by Monte Tremezzo by a long head. A...

Today

Seven internationals entered for Sydney autumn carnival

Maestro trainer William Haggas is once again setting his sights on Sydney’s prestigious autumn carnival, nominating three of his top runners, including the seasoned Group 1 campaigner, Dubai Honour. Haggas’ trio is part of a strong international contingent, with a total of seven overseas horses being aimed at marquee events. These...

Yesterday

G1 Lightning Stakes ures James McDonald to Melbourne

Top jockey James McDonald receives a flood of ride requests each week from leading stables, especially those based in Sydney. When major races clash between his hometown and Melbourne, deciding where to ride becomes a tough call. This Saturday, McDonald will head to Flemington to partner with the Chris Waller-trained Switzerland in...

Yesterday

Ndola out to win family race in CS Hayes Stakes

Lindsay Park trainers Ben, Ben & JD Hayes are still in pursuit of a victory in a race that holds deep significance for their family legacy. Saturday’s Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington is named in honor of their grandfather, Colin Hayes, a Hall of Fame trainer who founded...

Yesterday

Australasian Oaks campaign starts at Flemington

Trainer Dan O’Sullivan is setting his sights on Group 1 glory in Adelaide as his promising filly, Too Darn Discreet, begins her campaign at Flemington. Her ultimate target is the prestigious Australasian Oaks (2000m), scheduled for late April at Morphettville. She kicks off her autumn preparation this Saturday in the Listed...

Yesterday

Pride excited ahead of Ceolwulf’s return in G2 Apollo Stakes

Via Sistina and Ceolwulf are set to face off for just the second time in the Apollo Stakes at Randwick, a race that could spark a thrilling rivalry throughout the carnival. Both recognized as elite middle-distance runners, they may find the 1400-metre trip of Saturday’s race shorter than ideal. However, their...

Yesterday

Expressway Stakes the ‘Way to go early for Joliestar

Chris Waller’s Apollo Stakes contenders will take center stage at Randwick this Saturday, but the champion trainer also has strong support in the day’s other $300,000 Group 2 races. Joliestar has been entered for the 1400-metre Apollo alongside Via Sistina, Fangirl, and Atishu, but is set to begin her campaign in...

Feb 11th