GROUP 1 RUNNERS AT CAULFIELD

Five runners for us on a Group 1 day at Caulfield with two chances in the feature Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.

Buffalo River and Poland run in the $1 million Group 1 contest over 1400m

Poland (pictured) is second-up and will be partnered by Teo Nugent from barrier 12

“He’s a horse in with no weight on his back and the draw is important,” Mike said.

“From where he is he will likely have to go forward which makes his task tougher in what is a very good race.

"He's fitter today and his work has been good and if he can get some luck from the draw I'm expecting to run well."

It is the first start this preparation for Buffalo River who will be ridden by Patrick Moloney and drawn ideally in barrier four.

“He’s forward enough and he’s got a good record first-up,” Mike said.

“I can see him leading and he’s better striding along - if he can get into a rhythm then he will give them something to chase.

“It’s a very strong field which makes it difficult to be confident and I’d say that whatever he does today he will improve on but he’s there to run well.”

“That said he’s in really good order and if he can get some luck then I’d say he should be in the finish as he’s certain;y talented enough but will need some luck.”

Barthelona is the first to go in race one, top-weight in the benchmark 78 sprint over 1200 metres with the advantage of Thomas Stockdale’s claim.

“He’ll be better today at his second run back after a long break - he’s improved a lot fitness-wise after his first-up run after a long break,” Mike said.

“He’s going the right way and his work on Tuesday was sharp which has me thinking he’s getting back to his best.

“It’s a strong enough race but if he can reproduce his best form than I think he can be hard to beat.”

Chicago Cub is in race two, the open sprint over 1100 metres with Fred Kersley to ride.

“He’s had a nice break and I’m happy with the way he’s training,” Mike said. “His attitude is terrific and he is in much better shape than his last preparation.

“He should get a nice run and we’ll let him do his thing which should be on pace and if he can run up to his looks then I’m sure he will run well.”

Chapada takes another step on his Cups campaign in race seven, the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes over 2000m with Daniel Stackhouse in the saddle again and drawn barrier 10.

“He still looks as if he’s got to come in the coat but his work on Tuesday was terrific,” Mike said.

“It looks a stronger version of the race than he ran in last year however, he’s definitely improved for the first-up run and wherever he is at the finish I don’t think he will be far away.”