CAPECOVER and his Wanganui connections had more than the New Zealand Cup on their radar before they went south to Riccarton.
While victory in next Saturday's Gr 2 feature worth $220,000 is the immediate aim, they had a much-longer term goal in mind before they set off for Christchurch.
"The Melbourne Cup has been the dream before he even raced and he's down here with a view to that in 12 months time," trainer Alexander Fieldes said.
"He's got to prove he can run the run two miles yet and if he can't the Caulfield Cup is a good option. He's still got to improve three tiers to do that but he's stepped up to the mark so far."
Capecover had his New Zealand Cup odds slashed at the weekend after his decisive victory in the traditional lead-up the Gr 3 Metropolitan Trophy over 2500 metres.
He was an effortless winner and is now as short as $2.80 with the TAB bookmakers for next Saturday's cup.
Fieldes said while he was far from surprised with Capecover's success, he doubted the value of the new quote.
"You just hope he's as good as what you think and he was. He's got to run another 700 metres next Saturday and he may not get it. He hasn't had a lot of racing but we've done a lot with him and he's been to the South Island four times and Gisborne twice." "It's a different ball game next weekend."
While Fieldes is understandably cautious, he has the utmost faith in Capecover: "I booked two weeks' leave for this 12 months ago," he said.
A meat inspector by profession, he has been around the racing scene for many years and has worn a variety of hats in that time, in the past combining his training roles with that of an amateur rider, Trackside presenter, judge and auctioneer.
He is also the father of successful apprentice Sam, who would have been riding Capecover but for a one-month ban after weighing out with an unapproved vest at Hawera on October 13.
"It was his mistake and you just have to wear it," Fieldes said. "He broke the law and paid the price."
The apprentice was the primary reason Capecover found his way to Fieldes' stable.
The son of Cape Cross, a half-brother to 2004 Auckland Cup winner Upsetthym, is owned by fellow Wanganui trainer Kevin Myers and his two English associates Kerry Barker and Nick Brookes.
"Kevin gave him to me because he said he would be a good horse to get Sam on to start his riding career," Fieldes said.
With Fieldes junior under suspension, Michael Walker was engaged for Riccarton and he is enthusiastic about Capecover's 3200 metre prospects.
"He's going to be very hard to beat and was travelling well all the way," Walker said. "There's a ton of improvement in him and he had a good blow afterwards. I'm looking forward to riding him over two miles and he's got to be a big chance."
Capecover was a $40,000 purchase by Myers during the Select session at the 2004 Karaka sales.
He was bred by Cambridge bloodstock agent Stuart Hale and was part of the Esker Lodge draft.
Hale is also the part-owner of the talented Hussonet colt Rios, a leading contender for Gr 1 honours in Saturday's $325,000 New Zealand 1000 Guineas.
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