Araldo to contest Caulfield Cup

Late yesterday afternoon revealed the 2nd emergency, Araldo (pictured), would gain a start in this year’s Group 1 Crown Golden Ale Caulfield Cup over 2400m following the scratchings of Dandino and Gris Caro.

The son of High Chaparral will be jumping from barrier 15 and Ballymore can now confirm that Craig Williams has been engaged for riding duties.

"Craig has won a Caulfield Cup before and it was an easy decision," Moroney said. "We have a horse that will stay and I have always thought that this race was perfect for him.

"Looking at the field, I only think there are half-a-dozen chances and I think we are definitely one of them.

"It would have been frustrating to be watching the race on Saturday but now I don't have to worry about that."

Araldo was a purchase from Europe last year and had been aimed at the Caulfield Cup 12 months ago but missed the field, despite winning the Bart Cummings.

He went on to run third in the Lexus and was spelled with this year's carnival the target. Moroney tailored the preparation to get into the Caulfield Cup at his fourth start, but he always knew Araldo had to win a race to get a penalty to lift him into the field.

"We won the Bart Cummings last year and only got a half-kilogram penalty, so I decided to go to Sydney for The Metropolitan this time around and make sure of it," Moroney said. "I knew we had to win it, but he ran a great run for third.

"His form in Australia at 2400m and beyond is very good when you consider his only runs have been winning the Bart Cummings and running third in a Lexus and a Metropolitan.

"I think now we are in the race, we are a very good chance."

It is a change of luck for some of Araldo's owners, who had the heartbreak of Manduro's Son breaking down while in quarantine at Werribee last week and having to be put down.