Saturday’s Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield will play a key role in shaping the final field for the $5 million Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m).

Eleven horses are set to contest the Herbert Power, with the winner earning an automatic berth into the Caulfield Cup the following week. Of those, Post Impressionist, Young Werther, Brayden Star and Plymouth are all desperate for victory to secure their spot in the feature event, which currently has 29 horses still in contention.

One galloper not targeting the Caulfield Cup is Whisky On The Hill, whose spring campaign is geared entirely towards the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington.

Trainer Glen Thompson said his stayer would be better suited over the longer trip and is unlikely to measure up to the Caulfield Cup level. “We decided to not focus on Caulfield as his aim all the way through has been the Melbourne Cup,” Thompson said. “I don’t think he’s classy enough to win the Caulfield Cup and finishing fifth or sixth doesn’t get you anywhere. I’d rather go to Geelong or Moonee Valley where you’re guaranteed a start and a genuine chance.”

Thompson confirmed Whisky On The Hill would head next to either the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on October 22 or the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) two days later, both offering ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup.

The stayer comes into the Herbert Power off a strong victory in the Listed Ansett Classic (2400m) at Mornington on September 28. “He’s a horse that needs things to go his way,” Thompson said. “At Mornington, it all clicked — he was held up turning for home and only got out late, but it was a great win.”

Get the latest odds and tips for the Herbert Power Stakes and Melbourne Cup at Australia’s best betting sites.