3 minute read

Mr O'Ceirin booked his place in the Caulfield Cup with a gutsy win in the Naturalism Stakes.

Mr O’Ceirin worked across from his wide barrier (15) and Glen Boss took the initiative, due to a very moderate early tempo, and took him to the lead.

He was then able to maintain a very moderate pace (first 1400m 1:31.27) before grabbing a break on passing the 200m. He then went on to score nicely by a length.

Kesampour raced in second place, outside Mr O’Ceirin most of the way. He challenged strongly at the 200m and then kept fighting on to hold second.

Bit Of Hell was about eighth, between runners, racing a bit keenly behind the slow pace. He got a nice run through in the centre at the 300m and fought on quite well for third.

The favourite Pakal settled near the tail of the field, between runners, pulling due to the slow tempo. He improved wide with cover from the 800m, fanned very wide at the turn and then made ground for a sound fourth being disadvantaged by the early slow pace.

Quintessential eased to travel about seventh, between runners, in a packed field. She angled into the clear rounding the home turn but then battled on reasonably well for fifth.

Moudre came from last and wide out on the home turn for a sound sixth also being unsuited by the lack of early pace.