Cliff’s Edge puts his Derby claims on show
John Allen is a happy jockey after winning on Cliffs Edge at Caulfield.
Cliffs Edge could provide Darren Weir with his first Victoria Derby runner after his all-the-way win in a lead-up race at Caulfield.
The three-year-old led home a field of Derby aspirants in Saturday’s Group Three Caulfield Classic at his first try at 2000m.
Following his win on Saturday Cliff’s Edge had his price slashed from $17 to $6 favouritism for the VRC Derby (2500m) at Flemington on November 4.
Ridden by John Allen, Cliff’s Edge was sent off the $3.80 favourite before scoring by 2-3/4 lengths from Tangled ($5) with Main Stage ($4) 2-1/4 lengths away third.
Weir said Cliff’s Edge was likely to head to the Derby but there was also the option of him backing up next Saturday in The Vase (2040m) at Moonee Valley.
But the leading trainer said the son of Canford Cliffs wouldn’t contest both races.
“I don’t know what to do,” Weir said.
“I suppose you’ve got to have a throw at the stumps the way he went today.
“The main thing is that he pulls up well, we’ll have a look at the horse and decide from there.”
Weir said getting back to Caulfield suited Cliff’s Edge after his defeat at the hands of Main Stage at Flemington on October 7.
“He’s got a great racing style and when you can train them like we do at home, it’s the soundness of the horse that makes him tough,” Weir said.
“He copes with the work really well and that’s why he loves bowling along out in front and relaxes so well.”
Allen incurred an 11-meeting careless riding suspension for interference at the 1500m, but will return in time for the Derby should Weir decide take Cliff’s Edge to that race.