TOFANE READY FOR ANOTHER GROUP 1

Tofane, bidding for another Group 1 victory, is one of three runners for us at Caulfield today.

Tofane runs in race nine, the $1m Toorak Handicap over 1600m with Craig Williams again in the saddle.

“I couldn’t be happier with her - she’s in terrific order and her last piece of work on Tuesday was excellent,” Mike said.

“She has the advantage of barrier three today but against that she has the weight of the best horse in the race and records are made to be broken.

“That said she’s earned it having won three Group One races.

“She’s drawn to get the right run, she’s in top order and with ordinary luck I’m sure she will be hard to beat, especially if it develops into a sprint home.”

Buffalo River and Aktau are our other runners with Buffalo River first to go in the second race, the Listed Weekend Hussler over 1400m.

Damien Oliver rides from barrier six and Mike says the import will present fitter today following his first-up run in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes where he was beaten under four lengths.

“I’m really happy with him and he should get his own way in front down in grade today,” Mike said.

“It’s good to have Damien back on top as he knows the horse well - my only little concern is if the track firms up but other than that I think he is a great winning chance today.”

Aktau is in the last race of the day, the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes over 2400m with Michael Dee riding.

“I’m happy with him but he’s proving frustrating,” Mike said.

“I’ve taken the ear muffs of him - although he relaxed John Allen thought that when the pressure came on last start they might have held him back.

“He gets in today with no weight on his back and if he did happen to bring his best form then he’s definitely in there with a chance.”