In Good Health chasing surprise Caulfield Cup berth in Hervert Power

Peter Moody had modest goals for In Good Health but the mare that was set to spend spring in the breeding barn will chase a Caulfield Cup start in Saturday’s Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes.

A Caulfield Cup spot was a long way off Peter Moody’s mind when In Good Health joined his stable this year.

In Good Health was one of the first horses Moody welcomed into his stable when he returned to training in May but he only expected to have the five-year-old in the camp for a short time.

“I was just happy to win a midweek with her and send her to stud,” Moody said.

Racing is full of surprises. In Good Health has stunned her trainer with her progress, which had led to her being in contention for a Caulfield Cup start via Saturday’s Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m).

In Good Health immensely boosted her breeding value with her shock win at $61 in the Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) two starts back before a game fourth in the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes last time out.

“That last run was enormous,” Moody said.

In Good Health finished four lengths from the winner at her only other 2400m run in the 2019 Queensland Oaks but she has drawn perfectly in barrier two for her latest crack at the trip.

The mare has drawn barriers 15 and 14 at her last two starts. Moody said the better draw would give jockey Luke Nolen the option of giving In Good Health a softer run on Saturday.

“She doesn’t have to lead,” Moody said.

“I’d love to see her third or fourth.

“She has been able to race in the first three or four wherever she has run.

“She can just pop out and do no work for the first half (of the race) and build momentum.”

TAB has In Good Health as a $7.50 chance to earn a Caulfield Cup spot in the last race of the Caulfield Guineas meeting.

Naturalism Stakes winner Orderofthegarter is the $2.50 favourite. Orderofthegarter is already qualified for the Caulfield Cup after earning a ballot exemption in the Naturalism Stakes.

Source Article