A FOREST OF RUNNERS AT CAULFIELD

A late start to a busy day for us at Caulfield where we have six runners in the last four races.

Last start winner Oak Hill (pictured) is the first to go in the seventh race over 1200 metres with Jye McNeil riding again.

“I’m really happy with him, he’s gone the right way since winning and is a bit more relaxed,” Mike said.

“His work on Tuesday was terrific, my one little query is the distance and Caulfield, the Godolphin horses looks the one to beat and I think it will be a case of handling the course and running Jambalaya down but I’m sure our horse will acquit himself really well.”

Celine Gaudrey is aboard Tasman Park in the eighth race.

“He was good first-up and he’s gone on with it since,” Mike said. “He’s drawn ideally for the 1400 metre start jumping from three now after scratchings.

“He looks well placed to me, the claim helps and he is in good order so with ordinary luck in running I’m confident he will not be far away at the finish.”

Celine will also partner Not An Option in race nine with Jye McNeil on Bermadez.

“Not An Option has had no luck with barriers this preparation,” Mike said. “Having a look at the speed map we’ll likely be positive and press forward and if he can get across into a handy position on his favoured good ground then he’s ready to run well.

“Unfortunately Bermadez will jump from the outside and with the rail out so far it is less than ideal.

“That said he can make his own luck and ideally if they run along that will give him his best chance.

“I can’t fault him, he’s a happy horse which is the key for him and he’s a winning chance if things go his way.”

In the last race we have Elkington Road and Jungle Jim engaged with Jamie Mott on Elkington Road.

“He’s first-up here but he’s come back in really good order and his jumpouts have been encouraging,” Mike said.

“He’s nice and fresh and Jamie knows him well. The wide draw is not so much a concern, the rail out so far will make the final turn awkward but other than that he’s ready to go and in an open race I’m expecting him to run well.”

Jordan Childs is aboard Jungle Jim who is second-up after running well on a soft track at Cranbourne three weeks ago.

“He’s done well and we’re happy with him,” Mike said. “He’s drawn the inside which is a help and that will suit as he generally races on the speed.

“He’s fitter, in good order and in what appears to be an open race I’m sure he will be competitive.”