Rising Romance Out To Overcome Wide Draw
- Thursday, 16 October 2014 07:19
A bad barrier is against Rising Romance in the Caulfield Cup but there is one positive trainer Donna Logan.
The New Zealand mare has a decision at the distance over the favourite Lucia Valentina.
Logan has aimed Rising Romance to be at her peak for Saturday's 2400-metre race but was desperate for a better barrier than 17.
With scratchings, Rising Romance is likely to start from gate 14.
"It's disappointing," Logan said.
"You can be 100 per cent fit on the day and your draw can dictate how you have to run the race. We'll sit down and do the form and work it out."
Rising Romance won the Australian Oaks in April over 2400m with Lucia Valentina finishing third.
She also finished second in the New Zealand Derby while Lucia Valentina is yet to win at the trip.
The pair have met in five races with Lucia Valentina finishing ahead three times - including their two meetings this campaign.
Lucia Valentina stamped her Caulfield Cup favouritism with an impressive win in the Turnbull Stakes last start at Flemington, the same day Rising Romance was narrowly beaten in the Craven Plate in Sydney.
Logan said Saturday's race would tell whether Rising Romance has come on as well as Lucia Valentina this campaign, but believes she has strengthened and improved from last season.
The trainer said it was a deliberate plan to take a softer path to the Cup.
"Why take them on when you are not 100 per cent fit?" Logan said.
"You want her to be progressing up the scale and be at her best for her grand final."
