Williams says Admire Deus has right form to give Cups a shake

CRAIG Williams has endorsed Admire Deus as a serious Cups contender after partnering the Japanese import in a rousing track gallop at Werribee.

CRAIG Williams has endorsed Admire Deus as a serious Cups contender after partnering the Japanese import in a rousing track gallop at Werribee on Tuesday.

Working over 1600m in 1 min, 41 secs, the Australian-owned stayer steamed over the last 600m in 34 secs. The gallop delighted Williams ahead of the October 21 Caulfield Cup, where Darren Weir’s charge is a TAB $17 chance.

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“I’m really happy with where he’s at,” Williams said. “He’s moving really well, he’s athletic and he’s got a very, very big motor. He was very, very solid when I asked him.

“I’ve been really happy with his preparation.

“Darren Weir’s been down to have a look at him and he’s really happy with him.

Admire Deus impressed in a hitout at Werribee on Tuesday.

“And Matt (Scown), who’s been his travelling foreman, he spent time with him in Japan and is now in quarantine with him here is happy with the way the horse has travelled.

“I went across to Japan to sit on him and I think that’s been very important to have a base to compare him to over.

“He’s in good order, nice and fluent in his action. Every time I’ve asked him, he’s responded nicely.”

Williams will return to the Werribee quarantine station later this week to partner Admire Deus.

Williams rates Admire Deus as superior to Caulfield Cup winner Admire Rakti and another Japanese raider, Hokko Brave, who was unplaced in both the 2015 Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.

Craig Williams says Admire Deus has the right formline to be a serious Cups contender.

As with Admire Deus, Hokko Brave used the Tenno Sho as a springboard to the Melbourne carnival. While Hokko Brave was a solid sixth two years ago, Admire Deus finished fourth in this year’s edition behind superstar Kitasan Black.

Asked if Admire Deus compared favourably with Admire Rakti and Hokko Brave, Williams said: “Absolutely. He’s actually rated higher than those two horses and his form suggests he can win the Caulfield Cup, and he can win the Melbourne Cup.

“He’s got the right formline and that profile sits really well here. But most importantly, so far in his work, he feels like he’s brought that out here, which is fantastic.

“I’m pretty sure Darren is going to be really happy.”

Williams resumes from suspension after Saturday’s Turnbull Stakes meeting.