Daniel Moor saw enough from Young Werther (NZ) (Tavistock) in Saturday’s Gr.1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) to know he’s a legitimate Gr. 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) contender, but he still thinks Incentivise is the horse to beat.
In what was his first race ride on Danny O’Brien’s dual-Derby placegetter, Moor loomed as the winner on Young Werther inside the final 200m of the Flemington feature before Incentivise (Shamus Award) raised another effort to fend off the challenge.
Moor, who has now been locked in to ride Young Werther with 52kg in both the Caulfield Cup and Gr. 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m), said both horses deserved their place at the top of Caulfield Cup markets.
“I probably found a little bit more respect for Incentivise after that effort,” Moor said.
“I thought we had him for three or four strides, but he kicked and went again.
“For a horse to quicken twice, they generally have to be pretty good.
“But my bloke was very honest.
“He was second-up, he’s got good improvement, he’s down in the weights and he’s in with a shout in those Cup races going forward.
“I would’ve liked him to have 50.5kg or 51kg but we can’t be choosers.
“His run yesterday behind probably the weight-for-age star in Australia is good enough at the moment.”
