Defending Melbourne Cup champion Gold Trip, from the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace barn, headlines a capacity 18 horse field for the 2023 Caulfield Cup (2400m).
The $5million group 1 event for stayers is the highlight on Saturday’s 10-race meeting at Caulfield.
Having finished second in the Caulfield Cup last year, Gold Trip will be looking to go one better in the event 12 months later.
Gold Trip managed to claim the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at his last start and despite a potential Cox Plate (2040m) tilt next weekend, connections have opted to accept in the Caulfield Cup once again.
The three-time winner from 22 starts competed in all three spring majors last year and looks set to do so once again this campaign.
Gold Trip will carry 58.5kg on Saturday, with Ben Melham booked to ride as Melham looks to complete the feature double during the Caulfield Cup Carnival having claimed the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) aboard Griff.
Regular jockey for Gold Trip, Mark Zahra, will partner the Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained Without A Fight on the weekend.
Zahra had been committed to ride Without A Fight for some time prior to the news that Gold Trip would line up in the Caulfield Cup.
Without A Fight has not been seen since finishing sixth in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) when producing a strong finishing burst late.
Chris Waller will saddle up three runners in the Caulfield Cup, as he looks to add further success in the race after Verry Elleegant (2020) and Durston (2022) reigned supreme in the event over recent years.
Soulcombe looks to be the best of Waller’s hopes with Craig Williams booked to ride, while Francesco Guardi will have the company of James McDonald for Saturday’s feature.
Three international gallopers have accepted with Breakup representing Japan, for trainer Tatsuya Yoshioka and jockey Damian Lane.
Joseph O’Brien will saddle up Okita Soushi (Kerrin McEvoy) and Valiant King in the Caulfield Cup.
The 2023 Caulfield Cup barrier draw is set to be held on Wednesday, October 18 at Caulfield Racecourse, following the completion of the Coongy Cup Day races.
2023 Caulfield Cup final field
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