‘He might have the last crack at them’: Caballus on a Group 1 mission in Moir Stakes at The Valley

Trainer Bjorn Baker believes the outside barrier will work in favour of promising sprinter Caballus for his Group 1 debut in the $750,000 Moir Stakes (1000m) at The Valley on Saturday.

Trainer Bjorn Baker believes the outside barrier will work in favour of promising sprinter Caballus for his Group 1 debut in the $750,000 Moir Stakes (1000m) at The Valley on Saturday.

Caballus has drawn gate nine for the sprint showdown with Baker convinced it would give jockey Josh Parr the chance to ride a “swooping race”.

“I’ve got a funny feeling that nine might be the place to draw,” Baker said.

“I just don’t feel they will let Lady Of Camelot and Estriella do what they want in front.

“If something does go with them early, Caballus might be able to get into the running line and have the last crack at them.”

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Caballus has only had three starts since joining the Baker stable, winning at Rosehill and Randwick – the latter in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes – before a third behind Estriella in the Inglis Sprint back in autumn.

Baker believes Caballus has The Everest potential and two good trial hit-outs in Sydney when second behind outstanding duo Joliestar and Storm Boy gives the trainer confidence his sprinter is up to Group 1 level.

Storm Boy (Adam Hyeronimus) leads all the way to win a Kensington trial on Monday, running 51.00. The @GaiWaterhouse1 & Adrian Bott colt beat Caballus with Cafe Millenium in third. Bubble Rock and Fawkner Park were behind the placings. @tabcomaupic.twitter.com/w9JkhtIORc

— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) August 18, 2024

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“Caballus is a very talented sprinter and he does have a phenomenal turn of foot,” Baker said.

“When he won at Rosehill first-up for me earlier this year, he went from last to first in about 50m.

“If he can switch off and do nothing early, then get a cart into the race that’s our opportunity.”

Despite Baker’s quiet confidence, Caballus is the outsider of the Moir Stakes field at $21 in latest TAB Fixed Odds betting.

The speedsters Estriella ($3.50 favourite) and Lady Of Camelot ($3.70) are at the top of Moir markets with I Wish I Win, the ruling The Everest favourite, pressing at $4.60.

Originally published as ‘He might have the last crack at them’: Caballus on a Group 1 mission in Moir Stakes at The Valley