Racing: Fieldes plans for Cup start

Good-quality stayer Capecover has his first acid test of the spring at Caulfield tomorrow as trainer Alexander Fieldes looks to justify a Melbourne Cup bid.

Capecover drew barrier three for the group three Naturalism Stakes, with top Melbourne jockey Craig Williams booked for the ride.

The Wanganui trainer crossed the Tasman with the horse last Sunday after a late change of plan when he had initially targeted the group one Kelt Capital Stakes at Hastings on October 3.

"We want to see him run well to show us he's on track for the Melbourne Cup, and to keep the jockey interested," Fieldes said of Williams, who turned down the mount on Sydney Cup winner Ista Kareem.

"He won't need the run, he's been back in work since April 1 and he's ready. Caulfield's a bit of a tricky track but I think he's good enough to overcome it."

The winner of the Naturalism gains automatic entry to the Caulfield Cup but Capecover isn't entered for the October 17 feature.

Fieldes intended to target the Kelt instead, but changed plans last week after discussions with the gelding's three owners, including fellow trainer Kevin Myers.

"Running in the Kelt might have flattened him so we decided to set our sights a bit lower," Fieldes said.

Capecover has had two runs in New Zealand this campaign, and was sixth to Samurai last start over 1600m at Hastings on August 29.

He narrowly missed a Melbourne Cup start a year ago after running an unlucky third in the Saab Quality Handicap, three days before the big race.

Instead he won the group three Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2500m) on the final day of the cup carnival, with Williams aboard.

This campaign has been solely aimed at the Melbourne Cup, for which Capecover is a $41 chance with Australia's TAB Sportsbet.

"He hasn't got the zip he had last year, he seems to be a lot more dour but he's been prepared for two miles [3200m].

"He's at his best over 2400m or further and we just need good pace and a dry track."

Safely through Saturday there are several options for Capecover, with a race at Mornington the following weekend or Fieldes' favoured option, the Bart Cummings (2500m) at Flemington on October 3.

Meanwhile, Matamata-trained Red Ruler continues his spring campaign in the group one Underwood Stakes (1800m).

After two solid leadup runs in Melbourne, the John Sargent-trained stayer drew barrier three in a top field, with Danny Nikolic to ride.

Red Ruler was a $31 chance, with Whobegotyou a dominant $2.60 favourite.

In the Caulfield Cup, Red Ruler is a $21 chance behind $6 favourite Vigor, one of its rivals on Saturday.

Also in the Underwood is 2008 NZ Derby winner C'est La Guerre, a $9 equal favourite for the Melbourne Cup for trainer John Sadler, and a $31 chance on Saturday.

- NZPA