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Gris Caro has booked himself a Caulfield Cup start courtesy of a grinding win in the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes on Saturday.
The Jake Stephens-trained entire edged by a brave Bonfire to claim his first win since an Australian debut in the Balaklava Cup.
Gris Caro’s Naturalism Stakes success now confirms the five-year-old a start in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 18.
Last represented in a Caulfield Cup with Alcopop who was the 2012 runner up behind Dunaden, Jake Stephens believes his French import is working toward the Group 1 feature ideally.
“I think he has more improvement in him,” Stephens said.
“I only had him at about 95% for this one.”
Gris Caro is fast becoming Jake Stephens’ new pinup horse and while now a $31 chance with TAB Sportsbet’s Fixed Odds Caulfield Cup early market, saluted in Saturday’s Naturalism Stakes at a healthy double figure quote of $16.
From an awkward barrier, Ben Melham rolled forward and settled behind the leader Bonfire.
It was a good grinding win by the With Approval entire who drew level with the Gai Waterhouse-trained runner before edging clear at the 200m.
“He raced hard on the bridle and didn’t track the home corner too well but showed plenty of fight in the finish,” Melham said.
The Team Hawkes-trained Entirely Platinum ran second with Bonfire holding off the likes of Albonetti and Ibicenco for third.
