Lloyd Williams showed why he is the modern master at cups campaigns

VIDEO: LLOYD Williams issued a reminder he has become the modern master at crafting a Cups campaign.

PERHAPS the most relevant point to take out of Saturday's Caulfield meeting with a view to the Melbourne Cup is a reminder of how Lloyd Williams has become the modern master at crafting a Cups campaign.

Fawkner has now secured himself a start at Flemington and he could be joined by as many as six stablemates if Williams wants, although the most likely companions will be Green Moon, Sea Moon, Seville and Masked Marvel.

Williams’ son Nick said yesterday’s Caulfield Cup had been 12 months in the making.

This despite Fawkner having indifferent form beyond a mile 18 months ago.

This win was crafted to perfection. A two start trip to Sydney was followed by a seemingly surprising decision to bypass the Epsom in favour of a Turnbull start.

Williams knew best and Fawkner was as strong as any runner on the line yesterday.

As usual, there were the hard luck stories behind the winner, although none of them definitively said “back me in the Melbourne Cup.”

Craig Williams said the barrier was the difference between winning and losing for Dandino, but added he would be best suited in a moderately run Cup (like last year) to ensure he runs the trip.

Fourth-placed Jet Away ran a cracking race, but he pulled for a big chunk yesterday – not usually a recipe for success at Flemington.

Caulfield Cup

Hawkspur was solid enough in getting home, but pedigree says he has to be a big doubt beyond 2400m.

So with that in mind, the biggest Melbourne Cup rumble yesterday may have come from the jumbo that touched down in Melbourne around midday.

Its passengers included Dunaden and his old foe Red Cadeaux, plus Irish St Leger winner Voleuse De Couers and new Gai Waterhouse addition Tres Blue.

The market now has Dandino and Fawkner challenging for favouritism, but it will change again pending the performances of Puissance De Lune and Fiorente in Saturday’s Cox Plate.

Nick Hall

That race will also give us a final chance to assess the Williams Cup contestants.

Don’t be harsh on them if they flop. Green Moon and Efficient were both Valley disappointments, but were spot on in the race that Lloyd Williams craves most.