Popular runner Araldo Junior appears set for a run in the 2016 Caloundra Cup (2400m) on July 2^nd following a gutsy four length win in the Young Members’ Ball Handicap (2500m) at Flemington over the weekend.

Araldo Junior was sent off a generous $5.50 chance of success in the staying feature at Flemington on Saturday, and capped an impressive run in transit with a strong turn of foot late to hit the line comfortably in the clear of closest rivals Falago and Second Bullet.

Prominent owner Rupert Legh was understandably pleased with Araldo Junior’s performance for success on Saturday, and told Racing Victoria the horse has earned a shot at black type success in a race like the Caloundra Cup 2016.

“We’ve always had an opinion of the horse,” Legh said.

“We go back to when we bought him, his (early) career starts were good. We thought he’s a ‘time in work’ horse.

“Good name – Araldo… we hope there’s a bit of karma from up above. We hope he can follow on from Araldo, it’d be pretty special.

“I think he’s one of those typical European horses. Their feet just have to get used to our sorts of tracks, there’s no major issues with them.

“But they seem to acclimatise after 12-18 months. Like Our Ivanhowe, he’s had those issues but he’ll get through those.”

Araldo Junior has been a strong and largely consistent performer through his short racing career to date; posting five wins and two minors through only thirteen competitive starts since debuting in Germany in 2013.

Debuting to Australian racing for ninth in the Bushnell Outdoor Products BM90 (1400m) in August lat year, Araldo Junior progressed to 12^th in a Pakenham minor over 1600m before savaging the line for success in the Benalla Gold Cup (2046m) on October 2^nd.

Returning to the paddock after failing to fire in the Group 3 Bendigo Cup (2400m), the Medicean gelding clearly required a run when ninth in the Wangaratta Cup (1590m) but responded with a strong run for third in the City Of Warrnambool Handicap (1700m); running fourth in the Might And Power Handicap (2000m) in his only other start prior to Saturday’s triumph.

The 2016 Caloundra Cup field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, Wednesday June 29^th.

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