New milestone for Highclere Australia in Caulfield Cup
Great House will become Highclere Australia’s first ever runner in the $5 million Group 1 Carlton Draught Caulfield Cup (2400m) after the withdrawal of his Newcastle Cup nemesis Quick Thinker this morning.
When acceptances were taken earlier this week, the Chris Waller-trained Great House sat as the first emergency and appeared unlikely to get a run. However, an unfortunate tendon injury to Quick Thinker meant that Highclere’s Irish import gained a start.
Teo Nugent, who has already tasted success in the Highclere colours this year aboard Bartholomeu Dias, will take the ride on Great House, with the gelding to carry 50kg from gate two.
He was rated an 80-1 chance last night.
Highclere Australia racing manager Andrew Hawkins said that it was fitting that Great House would line up in the Caulfield Cup, given it came 12 months to the week since the former Donnacha O’Brien trainee landed in Melbourne.
“It is a very exciting moment and the owners cannot wait,” Hawkins said. “Earlier in the year, he won a Benchmark 78 handicap at Rosehill and we were dreaming about making it to the Cups. We knew though that a lot would have to go right for him to get to this level, but he put it together at Newcastle and then was luckless last time out.
“It may be 12 months too soon for him, but I have no doubt that he will be a Group-level staying mainstay over the next few years and so he may as well have this test now given he has earned his place.
“He’s certainly being thrown in the deep end, but if he can be running home and earning some prizemoney, I think the owners will be satisfied. Anything that might be able to help him make it to the Melbourne Cup!”
Great House will be one of four runners for Chris Waller, along with Selino, Ocean Billy and Charms Star, while the favourite is set to be the Peter Moody-prepared Incentivise.