A wide gate will be the only barrier for flying international Dandino

Caulfield Cup second-favourite Dandino can live up to his soaring reputation with a top-three finish - pending today's crucial barrier draw.

Dandino (left) ridden by Paul Francis, and Side Glance, ridden by Leanne Masterton, enjoy a solid hitout at Werribee. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

MARCO Botti's travelling foreman Paul Francis is confident Caulfield Cup second-favourite Dandino can live up to his soaring reputation with a top-three finish on Saturday - pending today's crucial barrier draw.

A vastly experienced horseman, Francis is confident American St Leger winner Dandino has the formline to contend strongly at Caulfield.

"I think he's got a great chance," Francis said after partnering Dandino in a leisurely canter at Werribee this morning.

"I'd be disappointed if he wasn't in the (first) three the way he's been working - as long as he gets a good run.
Francis, who previously handled Epsom Derby winner Dr Devious as well working for a host of outstanding British trainers, says Cup favourite Hawkspur ($4.40) and Silent Achiever ($9.50) are the obvious threats to Dandino ($7).

"Obviously the favourite has got to have a good chance and maybe the filly from New Zealand (Silent Achiever)," Francis said.

"She ran a good race in the Turnbull (a fast-closing sixth), didn't she?
"I read about her, she's a lot stronger now as a six-year-old."

Francis will attend the barrier draw this morning, hoping for a decent gate.
"I think anywhere between five and 12 would be ideal, really, but you just have to deal with you with what you get in  the end," he said.

"There's nothing we can do, hopefully he gets one of them.
"I watched Dunaden's race last year and he come from 18 (to win), so it's possible. You need a lot of luck.

"In an ideal world, you want between five and 12."

To be ridden by Craig Williams, who is hoping for a third successive Cup victory, Dandino has thrived since arriving at the TAB quarantine station last month.

"He's good, he's done a nice canter this morning," Francis said.

"Worked good on Sunday with Craig, had an easy day on Monday and Tuesday he was bouncing.

"Touch wood, everything's gone to plan so far."

Fellow raider Forgotten Voice will target next Wednesday's Geelong Cup if he misses a Caulfield Cup start after Nicky Henderson's gelding was made first emergency for Saturday's 2400m classic.

If he heads to Geelong, Forgotten Voice will bid to extend the powerful international dominance of the race by attempting to emulate Americain (2010), Dunaden ('11) and Gatewood ('12).