Caulfield Cup Attracts Diverse Field with Global Contenders

The 2024 Caulfield Cup, scheduled for Saturday, promises an eclectic lineup featuring homegrown Australian thoroughbreds, persistent New Zealand horses, imported European racers, and even an entrant from Japan. Racing analyst James Tzaferis delves into the pedigrees and sales history of several key competitors.

Buckaroo, a six-year-old gelding, stands out as a notable contender. Sired by the famed Fastnet Rock, Buckaroo embodies its lineage’s strong sprinting and enduring racing abilities. His dam, Roheryn, a Galileo mare, achieved listed wins over 2400 meters in Ireland, hinting at Buckaroo’s stamina. Since being born during Fastnet Rock’s standing at Coolmore Stud in Ireland, Buckaroo exhibits the potential typical of the Fastnet Rock over Galileo mares cross, known for yielding significant stakes winners.

Representing Japan, Warp Speed, a six-year-old horse bred by Drefong and Deep Love, offers formidable staying power. Drefong’s progeny are known to excel between 1200 to 1400 meters. Meanwhile, Warp Speed’s dam, Deep Love, has produced other performers in longer races, with Warp Speed himself winning over stretches reaching 3400 meters.

Another contender, Warmonger, a four-year-old gelding, comes from New Zealand. Purchased at NZB Ready to Run Sale, he is out of the Savabeel mare Princess Sapphire and sired by War Decree. Warmonger already claimed victory at the Queensland Derby, attesting to the enduring qualities inherited from both parental lines.

Representing Godolphin is the mare Zardozi. This four-year-old descends from Kingman and Dubawi, known for producing strong classic distance runners in Europe. Purchased at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, Zardozi showcases a promising form over long distances, leveraging her heritage.

Coco Sun, a four-year-old mare, comes from the first crop of young sire The Autumn Sun. With a significant price tag at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, she hails from the Encosta De Lago mare, Miss Hufflepuff, and has already made a mark with wins in Oaks races.

Deny Knowledge, a seasoned racer with Pride of Dubai lineage, also features prominently in the lineup. Known for versatile performance across various distances, this mare represents a unique mixture of elite speed and stamina. Her portrayal as an elite performer is cemented by acquiring significant financial backing through sales.

Finally, the imported Sayedaty Sadaty, a four-year-old by Anodin out of the Galileo mare Bell Su River, rounds out the field with his strong European staying pedigree. His performance at 2400 meters indicates potential success in long-distance races.

This array of international horses adds an intriguing element to one of Australia’s most important horse racing events, highlighting global interest and investment in thoroughbred racing.