Change of Tactics for Caulfield Cup Favourite Johannes Vermeer!

Written on the 20 October 2017

One of the big 4 majors of the year, the $3M Caulfield Cup sees the Irish horse Johannes Vermeer storm into the favourite position after his fast finish of second place in his Australian debut at Saturday's Group 1 Caulfield Stakes over 2000 metres.

In last week's Stakes the Lloyd Williams-owned Johannes Vermeer settled slightly worse than midfield and then powered home in the straight just short of Gailo Chop.

Racing Victoria stewards have reported a change of tactics for the Aidan O'Brien-trained 5yo in Saturday's 2400m handicap with the intention for Johannes Vermeer to be ridden positively and ideally settle third to fifth in the field of 17.

A change of tactics is also expected for another of Williams' horses in the Cup, Sir Isaac Newton, with an intention to lead.

If Johannes Vermeer wins the Caulfield Cup, O'Brien will equal world record holder, Bobby Frankel for 25 Grade/Group One victories in a year ahead of Champions Day at Ascot.

Ben Melham will take the reins of Johannes Vermeer this Saturday.

Melham believes the 5yo has a lot of things going in his favour, especially after Tuesday's draw.

"Everybody saw his run the other day and more importantly he's pulled up well," Melham said.

"He's a horse who backs up really well so he's got a lot of things in his favour.

"And he's got a favourable draw now.

"He showed good speed from the barriers the other day. He relaxed nicely after that and he's got a good change up of speed as well.

"So he's an ideal sort of horse for a Caulfield Cup."

(Top photo: Johannes Vermeer at Caulfield Stakes, Photo source: racing.com)

(Bottom photo: Jockey, Ben Melham, Photo source: racenet.com.au)