The Caulfield Cup final field has been released to reveal a full field of 18 runners plus four emergencies for the $2.5 million race in Melbourne this Saturday.
Newcastle Cup winner Green Moon, along with Macedonian, managed to sneak into Caulfield Cup contention after originally being equal 17th in the ballot order with first emergency Spechenka.
David Hayes’ Rebel Soldier was the only horse to miss out on a place in the field altogether, emerging as the 23rd pick of the Caulfield Cup nominations.
Missing out on a guaranteed position in the 2,400 metre race alongside Spechenka is Lucky Eight Eight, Anudjawun and Midnight Martini, who feature as the race’s four emergencies.
Stablemates Drunken Sailor and Manighar have both been included in the feild after their trainer Luca Cumani travelled the horses from England in pursuit of a Caulfield and Melbourne Cup double.
“He’s been a revelation in England this season,” Cumani said of Drunken Sailor yesterday.
“He’d run well over hurdles in Ireland before he came to us and he’s since shown his best form on the flat.
“But what he really thrives on is a tough battle.
“He likes big fields, and doesn’t mind have to stand up for himself.
“I think the Caulfield Cup will really suit him.”
Last start’s Turnbull Stakes winner December Draw remains in the Caulfield Cup field after the five-year-old gelding produced a jaw-dropping track gallop at Flemington this morning.
“It was a very strong gallop by a fit racehorse,” said Flemington’s clocker Warren Huntley.
Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas’ four-year-old mare Southern Speed was the final horse to make this year’s Caulfield Cup field.
