The Everest smokey Caballus tunes up for Group 1 Moir Stakes assault

Emerging sprinter Caballus went for a spin around Canterbury Park on Wednesday as trainer Bjorn Baker eyes next week’s Group 1 Moir Stakes at The Valley.

Caballus will kick off his spring campaign in the Moir Stakes next week. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Group 1 jockey Josh Parr has given The Everest smokey Caballus his stamp of approval ahead of Saturday week’s Group 1 Moir Stakes after putting him through his paces at Canterbury Park on Wednesday.

Trainer Bjorn Baker brought his emerging talent for a day out at the midweeks just 10 days out from his bid to claim a maiden Group 1.

Parr will travel to Melbourne to pilot Caballus in the Group 1 $750,000 Moir Stakes (1000m) at The Valley.

• V’landys keen for end to racing ‘civil war’

“He is just loaded with ability,” Parr said.

“The 1000m at The Valley is a bit of an unknown with this horse but speed on and him coming off a strong speed, he has a turn of foot that can match at a pretty high level.

“He is a big strong colt now and I hope we can see the best of him.”

Caballus winning the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes in the autumn. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

A win in the Moir Stakes could see Caballus surge into The Everest calculations.

Baker has previously identified Caballus as one of three potential Everest contenders for his stable this spring alongside dual Quokka winner Overpass and Stradbroke Handicap victor Stefi Magnetica.

Parr has partnered Caballus in all three of his starts since the former Chris Waller-trained galloper was sold to Darby Racing.

He was aboard Caballus when the four-year-old had a tune up over 1000m on Wednesday.

• Dwyer announces next move for Royal Ascot champ

The @BBakerRacing-trained Caballus had a nice hit-out between races at Canterbury as he gears up for a big spring! 🏇 pic.twitter.com/6WH0XuEnS2

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 28, 2024

The 10-time Group 1-winning hoop made sure Caballus kept his mind on the job and gave him one crack with the whip in the straight as he clocked his last 600m in 34.18sec.

“He is a very casual colt and we need to be taking benefit with each piece or work with him,” Parr said.

“I asked him to quicken to a speed that was quite significant but I could tell there was a bit more to give and not quite to his top speed.

“I asked him to quicken with the use of the persuader and he quickened really well.”

Caballus is rated a $15 chance with bookies for the Moir Stakes.

Originally published as The Everest smokey Caballus tunes up for Group 1 Moir Stakes assault