NEW ZEALAND-bred stayer Humidor is the best chance of Darren Weir’s two runners to win the $3 million Caulfield Cup on Saturday, according to his Warrnambool foreman Jarrod McLean.
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Humidor and stablemate Amelie’s Star, who have had their whole preparations based at Weir’s Warrnambool stable, are attempting to give Victoria’s leading trainer his first Caulfield Cup victory.
Both horses are under double figure odds for the group one race over 2400 metres.
McLean said he had a slight leaning for Humidor but rated Amelie’s Star a great second stringer for the stable.
“It’s Humidor for me,” he said. “He ran third behind Winx last start in the Turnbull and we all know Winx is a champion.
“We’ve improved from that run and I think with a bit of luck in the run he should be in the finish but Amelie’s Star has not put a foot wrong in this campaign.
“Her effort to win the Bart Cummings was full of merit. We’ve got two strong hopes but I just rate Humidor slightly in front.”
Warrnambool identities Geoff McLaren and Peter “Cork” Walsh are among Humidor’s owners and will be trackside to cheer on the five-year-old.
McLaren said it was exciting to have one of the key hopes in the Caulfield Cup.
“We’re a good chance in a hard race,” he said.
“They don’t give Caulfield cups away. It’s a very even field. Cork and I have been fortunate to have been in the ownership of a couple of handy horses over the journey, namely Trust In A Gust and Palentino but we’ve raced a few slow ones.
“It’s been great Humidor being trained in Warrnambool for this campaign. Jarrod and the rest of the staff have kept us informed how Humidor has been going and we’re always welcomed at the stables.”
Naantali will attempt to keep her unbeaten record intact when she runs in a $120,000 race for Aaron Purcell.
Warrnambool trainer Matthew Williams saddles up his honest galloper Turnitaround in the $150,000 Coongy Handicap.
The Caulfield Cup is scheduled for 4.30pm.