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Champion jockeys Craig Williams, Kerryn McEvoy and Damien Oliver were pleased they made the trip to Werribee on Sunday morning to put international spring carnival entries Dandino, Van Percy and Guest Of Honour through a workout.
The internationals were partners as they stepped up their work schedule ahead of their opening carnival assignments at Caulfield over the next two Saturdays.
Van Percy comes out of quarantine next Saturday to contest the G2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m), a race he needs to win to secure a start in the $3 million Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 18.
There’s no such pressure on Dandino, who was runner-up to Fawkner in last year’s Caulfield Cup and will seek to go one better this year before another crack at the $6 million Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 4.
Guest Of Honour is also set to open his carnival campaign next Saturday in the G1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield.
Dandino (Williams), Van Percy (McEvoy) and Guest Of Honour (Oliver) worked together over 1400m and there was only a neck between the trio at the end of the gallop.
The steadily increased the pace from the 1200m and were timed to run the last 400m in 24 seconds.
Williams nominated Dandino as his Caulfield Cup mount on Saturday and after the workout was pleased with his decision.
“Dandino was there to be the pacemaker - he’s not a bad pacemaker,” Williams said after the gallop.
“It’s the second sit I’ve had on him since he arrived this year. I was really happy with the way he felt.
“I’m really happy two weeks out.”
Dandino, trained by Marco Botti for Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock, is reported to be carrying more condition than last year.
Botti will also start the ATB-owned Seismos in the Caulfield Cup with Craig Newitt booked as his rider.
McEvoy, after winning Saturday’s G1 Turnbull Stakes at Flemington on Caulfield Cup favourite Lucia Valentina, had his first sit on the Andrew Balding-trained Van Percy on Sunday morning.
Van Percy, also Australian-owned, was a last start second to the John Murtagh-trained Caulfield and Melbourne Cup entry Mutual Regard in the Ebor (2800m), Europe’s richest handicap, at York prior to his flight to Melbourne.
“He seems nice and bright and travelled really well,” McEvoy said after the workout.
“He gave me a nice feel and I’m looking forward to riding him on Saturday.
“The Ebor is usually a handy form line and I’m sure he’s going to run a good race.”
