SYDNEY - Matamata trainer Paul Jenkins was delighted by Bazelle's run in the Yalumba Stakes, but is now worried she may be denied a start in Saturday's Caulfield Cup.
Bazelle was 20th equal in order of entry in the A$2.5 million ($2.75 million) Cup after Saturday's racing and Jenkins was
confident that with a few signalled defections she would make the field.
But he said he had been tipped off the Melbourne Racing Club's committee would elevate Confectioner, 26th equal in order of entry.
"I was also told that my horse would be the first of the six horses rated 20th equal to get the push if Confectioner gets in," Jenkins told NZPA today.
"If that happens I think it stinks."
He said he was unable to verify the accuracy of the tip-off, but wanted to state Bazelle's case, given the concerted push made by Confectioner's trainer David Hayes in the Australian media over the past fortnight for his horse to be in the Cup field.
The club's committee is due to determine the field tomorrow.
Confectioner could have won automatic entry into the Cup by winning the Yalumba, but finished third to El Segundo, not far in front of Bazelle, who was sixth in her first race for five weeks.
Jenkins said that Bazelle and Lachlan River were the only two of the six runners rated 20th equal who were group one runners, so they should considered first.
He was thrilled with Bazelle's run in the Yalumba, in her return after injuring an annular ligament.
* Calveen will be aimed at the group one Nestle Peters Classic after her strong third in the Toorak Handicap at Caulfield.
The New Zealand-owned mare sprinted late to finish close behind winner Barely A Moment and Hong Kong visitor Super Kid.
Calveen had to change ground late in the group one 1600m event, but her Victorian trainer, Peter Moody, said her main problem was the wet ground.
- NZPA
