Caulfield Cup spot up for grabs in Naturalism Stakes

Caulfield Racecourse is abuzz with anticipation as a full house of 16 skilled stayers gear up for the highly anticipated Group 3 Naturalism Stakes, a 2000m race set to unfold this Saturday.

The event serves as a crucial gateway to one of Melbourne’s premier spring races, the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 21.

Among the contenders, the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Goldman, who has already clinched a coveted spot in the Melbourne Cup (3200m), is poised to cement a place in the Caulfield Cup.

Goldman recently returned from a break, delivering a commendable midfield finish in the Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley, and is expected to shine with the extended distance.

The esteemed Ciaron Maher & David Eustace stable, fresh from their triumph with Smokin’ Romans in last year’s Naturalism Stakes, have high hopes riding on either Floating Artist or Future History to secure another victory for the team.

Emissary, last year’s Melbourne Cup runner-up, is also in the fray, eyeing a ticket to the Caulfield Cup.

Currently situated at 33rd in the order of entry, Emissary faces a challenging draw from barrier 15.

Hezashocka, positioned to tackle the daunting barrier 20, is determined to surpass his performance in the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) on April 22, where he was narrowly edged out by Right You Are in the lone other Caulfield Cup qualifying race.

The stakes are high with a generous purse of A$200,000 on the line for the Naturalism Stakes, slated as race eight on Saturday’s power-packed 10-event card at Caulfield.

The spotlight of the day will be on the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m), promising a thrilling showcase of top-tier thoroughbred talent.