Draw Presents No Barrier For Cup Favourite

This morning's barrier draw has had little or no impact on the market for Saturday's $2.5 million Caulfield Cup.

Ruling favourite December Draw maintained his place at the head of Betstar's market on the race at $2.50 after drawing barrier 11 while second favourite Lucas Cranach ($6.50) drew barrier 3.

Betstar's Alan Eskander expects a rush of money for the favourite now that the barrier draw has been made.

"I think favourite backers have been waiting for the barrier draw to tick the final box before launching on December Draw. Assuming the emergencies don't get a run, he'll start from barrier 9 and it's been the most successful starting position in the last 15 years in the race with four wins. Eight of the winners in that time have come in the range from barriers 7-11 so he looks ideally placed, and while he's already short enough, today's draw can only give his backers more confidence going into Saturday's race," Eskander said.

"Lucas Cranach is still a solid second favourite with us although his barrier draw may not necessarily be ideal for a horse with his "get back" style of racing," Eskander said.

Southern Speed firmed slightly after drawing barrier 4 while Precedence is out to $26 after drawing barrier 20.

Eskander said Lloyd Williams's only Cup runner, Green Moon had been well supported this week.

"He'd looked like he wasn't going to get a run so got out to $41 at one stage of betting but he's into $15 now that he's in the field," Eskander said.

To view Eskander’s Betstar’s Caulfield Cup Betting Odds click here