Grahame Begg is aiming for a Group 1 victory with Cilacap in the Australasian Oaks at Morphettville, but before that, the filly will compete in the Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
The Easter Cup serves as Cilacap’s final lead-up to the Oaks, with Begg wanting to test her at 2000m and avoid multiple trips to Adelaide. The traditional lead-up to the Australasian Oaks, the Group 3 Auraria Stakes (1800m), takes place at Morphettville next Saturday.
In early betting, Cilacap is the $5.50 favourite for the Easter Cup, but Begg expressed concerns about the filly’s weight allocation. Despite a handicap rating of 90, Cilacap was given just 54kg, which Begg felt was unfair compared to her opponents, especially as she didn’t receive a sex allowance.
With six races under her belt, including four wins and a third, Cilacap is fresh off a victory in the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley.
Begg is confident the 2000m won’t be a problem for Cilacap, noting her relaxed nature, and sees Saturday’s race as a valuable test against tough geldings ahead of the Oaks. “We’ll see if she runs the trip, but she switched off well last start,” he said.