Co-trainer Tom Dabernig admits that Unchain My Heart is available at 2014 Caulfield Cup odds of $201, but he believes that the veteran mare will produce her usual honest effort in the Group 1 event at Caulfield this afternoon.
Unchain My Heart will make her Group 1 double in the 2014 Caulfield Cup this afternoon. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Unchain My Heart returned to the races after a stint in the spelling paddock with an eighth place finish in the Don’t Hold Back Handicap (1600m) at Moonee Valley on August 2 and produced solid performances in the Legacy 2014 Badge Appeal Handicap (2000m) at Caulfield on August 16, the Craig Opie Cup (2500m) at Moonee Valley on September 6 and the Listed Harry White Classic (2400m) at Sandown on September 27 before she finished ninth in the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield last weekend.
Dabernig told Racing Ahead yesterday that the stable has been happy with the form of Unchain My Heart and he is confident that the Al Maher mare will give her best in the Caulfield Cup this afternoon.
“She played up a little bit in the gates and she jumped a little bit awkward, which made it a little bit of a task from where she was,” Dabernig said.
“She is down in the weights, she is tough as old boots, but she is a 200 to one shot.
“We are thrilled with her and we couldn’t have her any fitter.
“She is in great order, she is very honest and she always tries.
“She loves a bit of room and can really find the line, so I am sure that she will give her best.”
Unchain My Heart only earnt a start in the 2014 Caulfield Cup field following the scratchings of Gris Caro, Dandino and Bande and Dabernig admits that he feels sorry for the connections of horses that are unable to take their place in the field for the Group 1 event.
“It takes a lot to get these sort of horses to these races and this is a classic example,” Dabernig said.
“It is disappointing for the connections of Bande, but for the connections of Unchain My Heart it is a big thrill.”
Unchain My Heart and Renew are both extreme outsiders in 2014 Caulfield Cup betting markets, while Lucia Valentina ($4.60) remains a clear favourite from Lidari ($9), Junoob ($9) and Brambles ($9.50).
