Last start failure Homesman gets his chance to redeem himself when he backs up this week in the Group 1 $5m Stella Artois Caulfield Cup (2400m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Homesman, above with blue cap, will back up this week in the 2018 Caulfield Cup at Caulfield. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.
Part owner Nick Williams said the team was willing to forgive Homesman for his seventh to Benbatl in the Group 1 $1m Ladbrokes Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield last Saturday and is giving the Irish import an excellent chance in the Caulfield Cup.
Homesman set the pace in the Ladbrokes Stakes but Williams said that an early fast sectional time put paid to his chances and watching the replay he was happy with the way the five year old stuck to his guns in the run to the line.
“I thought his run was excellent. Straight after the race I thought gee he was a bit disappointing, you would’ve liked to see him finish a bit better, but then when you watch the replay and you look at the sectional times, he’s run a 10.80 up the hill,” Williams said.
“He’s battled on and he’s probably entitled to really drop out of the race the way he ran – I know he got a cheap split there coming round the back, but he’s done so much work early, it’s actually worked out pretty well for him this week.”
Williams said that Homesman has come through the run in great order and will benefit greatly from the outing as he steps up to the 2400m of the Caulfield Cup.
“It’s the gallop he needed, he’s in great order at home, and I think Benny will get a terrific run on him, he’s so tough, he doesn’t know how to lay down that horse. Ben Melham has a great association with him and I think he’s a fantastic chance in the race.”
Ben Melham will be re-united with Homesman, replacing Jordan Childs, after the pair combined for a win in the Group 1 $750,000 Hyland Race Colours Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield two starts back.
Homesman has led or raced on the pace at his last two starts and Melham should be able to find a handy spot again from barrier four in the eighteen horse field.
Homesman is currently marked at $11 alongside of Ace High for the Caulfield Cup at Ladbrokes.com.au who have Kings Will Dream as the $5 favourite ahead of Youngstar at $6 and The Cliffsofmoher at $6.50.
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