Cup hopefuls get their chance

No less than 16 horses will get their chance to rise up the Caulfield Cup order of entry list in Melbourne and Sydney this weekend.

While C'est La Guerre and Devil Moon are guaranteed a start in next month's race, a further 12 Caulfield Cup aspirants are engaged in the Listed JRA Cup (2040m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night.

The winner of the JRA Cup is not exempt from any Caulfield Cup ballot but is liable to a weight penalty which would lift it up the list.

A win and a penalty for out-of-form mare Anamato (equal 22nd) would see her all but assured of a Cup run while others lower down the list such as Lords Ransom (32nd), Causeway Queen (36th), Baughurst (42nd), Cefalu (42nd), Fast Future (42nd), Cape Cover (48th) and Majestical (48th) would still be on the fringe.

The situation is even grimmer for Behold, Foolish Lad, Largo Lad and Scenic Bullet, who are all yet to satisfy the first qualification clause.

Riverina galloper About Face (48th) can press his claims in the Ansett Classic (2000m) at Mornington but not even a hefty penalty would see him break into the Caulfield Cup. Capecover will run in that race should he not start in the JRA Cup.

The G3 Colin Stephen Quality (2400m) at Randwick will offer Sydney stayer Tangalooma a chance to qualify for the Cup but the winner of that event is not eligible for a weight penalty.

The race also features Fiumicino, last year's AJC Derby winner, who at 13th is safe from any Cup ballot.

Ashikaga can qualify for the Cup with victory in the G1 George Main Stakes (1600m), which also features 2007 Brisbane Cup winner Newport, but cannot receive a weight penalty.