Naturalism Stakes attracts capacity field
The Group 3 Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on Saturday has attracted a capacity field of 16 stayers vying for a spot in one of Melbourne’s premier spring races.
The winner of Saturday’s Naturalism Stakes gains ballot exemption for the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 21, joining Right You Are as the only horses guaranteed a start.
Having already secured a spot in the Melbourne Cup (3200m), the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Goldman will be looking to sew up a spot in the Caulfield Cup.
Goldman returned from a spell with a midfield finish in the Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley and is set to appreciate the step up to the 2000m.
Having claimed the race last year with Smokin’ Romans, the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace stable will be hoping one of Floating Artist or Future History can hand the stable further success in the Naturalism Stakes.
Last year’s Melbourne Cup runner-up, Emissary, is another looking to book a spot in the Caulfield Cup – he is positioned 33rd in the order of entry – but is drawn poorly out in barrier 15.
Hezashocka will need to overcome barrier 20 as he looks to go one better than he did in the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) on April 22, when he was nosed out by Right You Are in the only other Caulfield Cup qualifying race.
The $200,000 Naturalism Stakes is race eight on Saturday’s 10-part card at Caulfield, headlined by the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m).
Naturalism Stakes 2023 Final Field
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