After finishing last in a Cox Plate qualifier at Moonee Valley, Maddie Raymond immediately set about revising spring plans for Earlswood.
Out the window went a start in the Cox Plate (2040m) at The Valley on October 22 and into focus came the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), run a week earlier.
Earlswood will take the next step on his path towards the Caulfield Cup when he contests the Group 3 MRC Foundation Cup (Naturalism Stakes) over 2000m at Caulfield on Saturday.
The former Irish galloper finished last in the Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on September 3 which Raymond put down to a couple of factors.
She said Earlswood was not suited leading while the ‘sticky’ track was also against.
“He peaked on his run at the 100 metres. He was quite fresh going into it as well, so the run has taken a bit of the sting off him,” Raymond said.
“He’s drawn awkwardly in 15 of 15 and we definitely don’t want to go forward. He’s a horse that we want to see settle with a bit of cover.
“Damian (Lane) will have to produce a good one, but we’ve got the right man on.”
Raymond said Earlswood had responded well to the race and his work since had been excellent.
Earlswood made an impressive start to his Australian career winning over 1600m at Caulfield in February which has convinced Raymond the entire likes firmer footing which contrasts with his best Irish form that was on softer ground.
Safely in the Caulfield Cup as number 15 in the Order of Entry, Raymond can now plot the best path towards the race and said Earlswood may even go into the Spring Feature without another run following Saturday.
“The Caulfield Cup is the focus,” Raymond said.
“He’s in the race so he doesn’t have to win the Naturalism, but he needs to run well to show he’s worthwhile running in it.”