Trainer John O’Shea is pleased with the condition of four-year-old Tally ahead of his run in the 2016 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday, but concedes he will require plenty of early luck from a wide draw.

Tally has been on a Caulfield Cup 2016 mission since he finished third in the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) in April, and the entire will carry typically smart form into the race after running an impressive third in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) a fortnight ago.

O’Shea told RSN that Tally’s allocation of the wide and awkward barrier 19 (17 with emergencies removed) for his run in the Caulfield Cup is less-than ideal and believes the horse will have to put himself into the race early if he is any chance.

“He’s been set for one race and it was a bit of a stub of the toe when the barrier draw,” O’Shea said.

“He’ll roll forward and we’ll know out fate in the first 400m to be fair.

“Its been his goal. Once you run a place in the Derby you’re qualified and don’t have to worry about getting him, so we’ve just been able to concentrate on preparing him to run in the race, which is a wonderful advantage.”

O’Shea has identified race favourite Jameka and talented British Godolphin raider Scottish as the two main dangers in the Caulfield Cup field and believes the pair will prove extremely tough to beat.

“Scottish has performed really, really well in Europe all year and has done well in quarantine,” O’Shea said.

“He’ll get a gun run from that gate, Kerrin’s in great form and if you go back to his 2015 form at a mile and a half, he tested Highland Reel at Goodwood so if he brings that game, he and Jameka are the two to beat.”

Tally has been a strong and consistent performer throughout his entire racing career so far; posting five wins and as many minors through only thirteen competitive appearances.

Returning to the paddock after finishing fifth in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) last spring, Tally resumed for an impressive win in the Woodend Cup (1450m) on January 30^th before repeating the dose in the Danny’s Burgers BM70 (1600m).

Making a successful return to black type company with success in the Group 2 Autumn Classic (1800m), the Street Cry entire won the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) by close to three lengths in what was his only other start prior to the Australian Derby.

Ladbrokes.com.au is currently offering Tally at 2016 Caulfield Cup odds of $17.