ONE week ago the Caulfield Cup wasn’t in the picture for UK based Dandino, but now he’s a confirmed starter for the $3 million Crown Golden Ale Caulfield Cup, reports Racing Network.
Marco Botti and Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock will giveDandino the chance to better his last year second behindFawkner.
Darren Dance, the principal of ATB, said it was agreed during a phone hook-up last night with Botti that the eight-year-old be aimed at both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.
Dance said Botti believes the genuine tempo that usually prevails in the Caulfield Cup would suit Dandino.
“Marco said ‘this is his last trip to Australia, it’s a long way to come for one race we might as well come for both and take our chance in the Caulfield Cup again',” Dance said.
“Marco thinks the horse is at the top of his game again and deserves his chance in the race.”
Dandino has 55kg in the Caulfield Cup, but that weight is likely to rise 2kg with Mukhadram and Dan Excel, who have 58kg and 57 kg respectively, not expected to run.
Dance said Dandino emerged in great order from his fourth behind Prince Bishop in the September Stakes at Kempton on the all-weather track last Saturday.
“The problem at Kempton was the lack of speed and they really only sprinted the last 600 metres,” Dance said.
“Marco thought he hit the line really well.”
Joining Dandino on the first shipment of European horses to arrive in Melbourne on September 27 are stablemates Seismos, who will also run in the Caulfield Cup, and Guest Of Honour, which will initially head to the Toorak Handicap and if his form warrants then the Cox Plate.