Warmonger (NZ) (War Decree) has fallen from favour with many punters in the lead-up to Saturday’s Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), but co-trainer Mick Price remains optimistic about his chances in the $5 million event.
The Cranbourne trainer is convinced the rise to 2400 metres will bring out the best in the gelding, who he trains in partnership with Michael Kent Jnr.
The son of War Decree finished resolutely to grab fourth placing in the Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) first-up but then disappointed when 11th in the Gr.1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) on October 5.
Price was not thrilled with the run but saw enough immediately after the race and since to suggest Warmonger will show his best in what has always been his first major spring target.
“I thought he raced a bit dour and I think I underestimated his capacity for fitness, because I thought he was three or four lengths short of where he should be,” Price said.
“First-up he was good. Sometimes I can’t tell whether it was second-up syndrome or not, no one can, but I went and checked him about 20 minutes after the race and he had a resting heart rate of about 80.
“Now that is way low and I just thought, ‘this horse is fit and ready for a Caulfield Cup’.
“So I’m actually tapering off him a little bit. He’s nice and fresh and I think if it rains he’ll come into a bit. He’s ready to go.”
Warmonger has had two starts beyond 2000m for a second in the Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2500m) and a 10-1/2-length win in the Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m).
Warmonger was Caulfield Cup favourite before the Turnbull but is out to as much as $17 on the eve of the final field being known and barrier draw, which will take place at 12.45pm Tuesday.
Michael Dee, who has ridden Warmonger at his two runs this campaign, retains the ride with the four-year-old to carry 53.5kg.
