Cosmic Crusader’s Caulfield Cup (2400m) claims were dealt a blow on Tuesday morning when the WA sensation drew barrier 17 for Saturday’s 150th running of the Group 1.
The last-start Turnbull Stakes hero remains favourite but has eased to $5 for the $6 million event ahead of Zahrann ($7.50).
The powerful Ciaron Maher stable will have five starters in the race and stable representative Jack Turnbull was pleased by the draw outcome.
“Really positive, to be honest,” Turnbull said.
“We’ve fared really well. Across the five, the feeling is good.”
The Maher camp’s horse best-respected by the betting is Zahrann, who failed to fire in the Turnbull Stakes when beaten almost 20 lengths into 11th place.
However, Turnbull said the relentless pressure and track conditions did not suit the Irish import that day and he expected improvement.
“You rarely get a race run like that,” Turnbull said.
“It takes a special kind of horse to improve, let alone absorb that pressure.
“That particular day, he was first time weight-for-age, Heavy10. We rode him to win, naturally being a colt, but in hindsight, maybe he’s better off being ridden back to find the like (Saint) George and Kings Valley.
“He’s really well. He’s come through that run as good as we could’ve hope for and Brownie (Ethan Brown) rode him yesterday. He was pleased.
Brown will waste down to 53kg in order to partner Zahrann, forfeiting a chance to ride Jimmysstar in Sydney’s $20 million Everest (1200m) to make the engagement.
The Maher team is rounded out by Middle Earth ($26), Royal Supremacy ($14), Saint George ($9.50) and Kings Valley ($31) while also having three of the four emergencies.
Young gun Jabez Johnstone has picked up the steer on Kings Valley, a first top-level mount for the 20-year-old.
“It’s unbelievable. I got a phone call from Ciaron, he rang me yesterday – he told me I’d be riding in the Caulfield Cup – in a Group 1, and it’s just unbelievable,” Johnstone said.
“To think that I’ve only been in Melbourne for five months and he already has the trust in me to ride in a Group 1, it’s outstanding.
“I’m still looking back on my first Group 3 winner at Flemington – that was such a massive thrill and obviously the highlight of my career. To now be confirmed for a Group 1, and not just any Group 1, it’s the Caulfield Cup, it’s one of the majors… it’s an absolute privilege.
“It’s all kind of happening at once. It’s a very exciting time of year and I couldn’t be happier with the position I’m in.”
The opportunity arose given that Kings Valley will only carry 51kg.
“I’ve ridden him a little bit,” Johnstone said.
“I did a bit of work on him the other morning and he’s in terrific order. There’s a lot to like about him coming into the Caulfield Cup.
“He’s such an excellent manner. He looks great and he feels great. He’s on the up and can peak here.”
Cosmic Crusader’s impost of 56kg is the second most in the field behind only last year’s winner Half Yours ($9.50), who would go on to take the Melbourne Cup in a rare double.
Half Yours will bear 57.5kg this year.