Viewed Victorious in Caulfield Cup

Bart Cummings-trained Viewed claimed an emphatic Caulfield Cup victory on Saturday, securing the legendary trainer with a seventh win in the tough 2400m event. It was the Cups Kings first win in the Caulfield Cup since Let’s Elope in 1991.

Defending Melbourne Cup winner Viewed, who started the race at around $15, shocked many when he surged forward early and maintained an impressive lead in the $2.5million handicap. Having drawn poorly with gate 15 and saddled with a topweight of 57kg, he beat home stablemate Roman Emperor, providing the Cups King with his second Caulfield Cup quinella and 250th Group 1 triumph.

Cummings’ third entrant in the Caulfield Cup, the up-and-coming Allez Wonder finished eighth.

Viewed’s victory earned the horse a unique place in the history books as only two other Melbourne Cup victors have been able to come back with a win in the Caulfield Cup the following year – Rising Fast (1954 – 1955) and Poseidon (1906 – 1907). He now boasts nine wins from 32 starts and has earned prize money in excess of $5.8million.

Cummings now has his sites set on the illustrious Melbourne Cup on November 3, as he aims for a “bakers dozen” in the world’s richest handicap.

Danny O’Brien-trained Vigor, ridden by Corey Brown, finished a brave third in the race.

Fancied international raiders Kirklees and Cima De Triomphe did not live up to expectations, failing to place and disappointing many punters. The famous Godolphin stable’s Kirklees was eighth while Luca Cumani’s Cima De Triomphe finished well back in 13th, just behind early favourtie Predatory Pricer in 12th.

Following the win, Viewed will be re-weighted for the Melbourne Cup. Victoria’s chief handicapper Greg Carpenter will announce his penalty today.

2009 Caulfield Cup Results

1. Viewed
2. Roman Emperor
3. Vigor
4. Daffodil
5. Fiumicino
6. Master O’Reilly
7. Kirklees
8. Allez Wonder
9. Zavite
10. Harris Tweed
11. Ready To Lift
12. Predatory Pricer
13. Cima De Triomphe
14. Red Lord
15. C’est La Guerre
16. Sarrera
17. Light Vision
18. Red Ruler