One of seven international gallopers still in 2014 Caulfield Cup contention, Japanese raider Bande is set to have an early look at Caulfield Racecourse this weekend ahead of his Australian debut there Saturday week in the world’s richest mile and a half handicap.

Lucia Valentina is the 2014 Caulfield Cup favouirte for Saturday week in Melbourne. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia.

On Tuesday connections of the Yoshito Yahagi-trained Bande paid the third acceptance fee for the $3 million Group 1 Crown Golden Ale Caulfield Cup (2400m) where 41 stayers are still in the mix for the October 18 showdown.

The race’s top weight is fellow Japanese raider Admire Rakti (56kg) and he along with Bande head towards a Grand Final run in the $6.2 million Group 1 Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on the first Tuesday of November.

Firstly however the Japanese duo will debut down under in the Caulfield Cup field, Authorized stallion Bande well liked in the futures markets for the classic through Ladbrokes.com.au.

Kris Lees’ Turnbull Stakes winning mare Lucia Valentina is the $5.50 Caulfield Cup betting favourite and following her is Bande at $7.50.

In quarantine at the Werribee centre until Saturday morning, Bande gets the chance to go around Caulfield on Caulfield Guineas Day this weekend with a light canter on the course locked in according to assistant trainer Takahide Ando.

He will also be taken through the tie-up stalls, pre-parade ring and the mounting yard exactly as he will be on Caulfield Cup Day in the big event.

“The main thing is to help him adapt to the Caulfield racecourse,” Ando told the Racing Network on Wednesday.

Early next week Bande will then be given barrier practice before his debut run in Oz, the Caulfield Cup to be the stallion’s first run since a stunning all-the-way effort when winning by five lengths in the Listed Sapporo Nikkei (2600m) back home in early August.

This morning he worked well with stable mate Raizon and looked on track with good movement.

“We thought he moved very well, everything is going well,” Ando said.

“We will be giving him some more sharp work.”

To get behind Bande now in the generous all-in Caulfield Cup betting markets before odds firm over the next week then visit Ladbrokes.com.au where for an investment of just $3 punters can win $3 million on Caulfield Guineas Day this weekend!