Caulfield Cup 2016: Foreign raiders found wanting again as another trophy remains out of reach

IT was a mixed bag for the internationals in the Caulfield Cup with Scottish and Exospheric filling the minor placings but the other two well beaten.

IT was a familiar story for the internationals.

A year after Trip To Paris narrowly missed Caulfield Cup glory, Scottish and Exospheric filled the minor placings behind star Melbourne mare Jameka, leaving connections to lament what might have been.

Beaten three lengths, Scottish defied a bad start with a storming second, while Exospheric was brave.

Sir Isaac Newton, now majority-owned by Lloyd Williams, finished a solid seventh but Germany’s Articus failed to fire, trailing across the line in 13th place.

While plans for Scottish remain unresolved with the Melbourne Cup and Mackinnon Stakes among possible targets, Kerrin McEvoy was impressed with Saturday’s effort.

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“He jumped up in the air at the start, which had me on the back foot and he raced really keenly,” McEvoy said.

“He’s done a remarkable job.”

Trainer Charlie Appleby was elated with the performance but unsure of where the import would head next.

“We’re keeping our options open,” he said.

“There are other races like the Mackinnon and the Lexus to consider.

Kerrin McEvoy and Scottish edge out Damien Oliver and Exospheric (white cap) as they fill the minor placings in the Caulfield Cup. Picture: Getty Images

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“We are delighted to come over here and be in the first three, that is what we were aiming for.

“We were hoping to win so he has run very well.

“Unfortunately, it was a bit unusual for him when he missed the kick a little, then he was running a bit free.

“But Kerrin rode a fantastic race, he did all the right things.

“He got the horse into a nice rhythm but full credit to the ­winner.”

Appleby said internationals Qewy and Oceanographer would hopefully run in Wednesday’s Geelong Cup where a win would give them a chance to get into the Melbourne Cup.

Damien Oliver said Exospheric had delivered “an excellent run”.

“Coming to the turn I was only a couple of lengths off Jameka and thought I was a real chance.

“But when she kicked with the pull in the weights, she just kicked too strong but I thought it was an excellent run.”

Andreas Wohler said Articus was “beaten too early” and could not explain the boom German’s performance.

“It’s too early to say. We will see,” he said.

Zac Purton said the raider “just worked himself up in front of the big crowd pre-race and he was just too keen.”

Sir Isaac Newton parades in the mounting yard before the Caulfield Cup. The import finished a solid seventh overall. Picture: Mark Stewart

Punters rejoice as Voodoo keeps on keeping on

DARREN Weir will again turn his direction to trying to win a Group 1 race with Voodoo Lad after his comfortable win in the Group 3 Moonga Stakes (1400m).

Weir was happy Voodoo Lad could avenge his unlucky second in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.

“That was an impressive win. He continues to race in great form and he deserves another crack at a Group 1 event,” Weir said.

Weir said he was considering taking him to Perth for the Winterbottom Stakes on November 22.

He said his other option was to look at Longines Mile at Flemington on October 29.

“I’m not certain he can run a mile though. I’m really not certain what I’ll do,” he said.

Weir said Voodoo Lad had been in work for most of the year but was thriving.

“He goes back to Warrnambool and Jarrod McLean and his team just keep him ticking over,” Weir said.

Voodoo Lad ($2.50 fav) defeated Takedown ($4) by a length and a half with Warrnambool galloper Turnitaround ($151) a neck away third.

Voodoo Lad was ridden by Brad Rawiller who described him “as a really good horse.”

Voodoo Lad came from New South Wales to join the Weir stable and has had nine starts since joining Weir’s stables for five wins, three seconds and a third.

Takedown was backed from $4.60 to $4.00 but was held up for a run in the straight.