By MIKE DILLON
Chris Wood is today looking for a rider for New Zealand's best chance in Saturday's $A2 million Caulfield Cup, Kaapstad Way after Damien Oliver climbed off yesterday morning.
In a shock move, Oliver asked to be released from Kaapstad Way to ride Fairway, who downed Sunline in Melbourne last week.
The Fairway ride became available when Darren Beadman was given a two-week suspension after Saturday's Caulfield Guineas.
Wood swallowed his disappointment and copped it as just another racing pothole.
"What can you do? There is no point in having someone like Damien on our horse if he'd rather be somewhere else.
"We'll let him go and look for someone else."
Melbourne jockey Darren Gauci wants to ride Kaapstad Way, but Wood said he can do nothing until he discusses the issue with the horse's owner.
Oliver's move was essentially because of Melbourne's unpredictable weather.
Kaapstad Way is a walker on anything but firm footing and rain is forecast in Melbourne Thursday and Friday.
"We've had a fair bit of rain here, but it's been very localised. It just depends on where you are at any given moment."
Another huge factor would have been Beadman's confidence in Fairway's chances on Saturday.
"I don't say he was a certainty, but he was close to it," said Beadman yesterday.
"It was my first real chance to win a Caulfield Cup."
Greg Childs was also suspended on Saturday and both jockeys consider themselves lucky.
Childs was allowed to forgo rides at yesterday's Sandown races to ensure his suspension ended on Friday the 27th to allow him to ride Sunline in the $A2 million Cox Plate the next day.
Beadman was allowed the same latitude.
"I'm lucky because I was found guilty of careless riding.
"It's a decent stretch, but the stewards could have made it a lot harder."
It will allow Beadman to ride well-fancied Tie The Knot in the Cox Plate.
Oliver's decision may also have been influenced by the speed with which the Caulfield track cut out on Saturday after only light rain at the start of the programme.
The track had been so firm on Saturday morning it concerned Sky Heights' trainer Colin Alderson, who was greatly relieved when the footing eased dramatically.
"If it rains at the end of the week, there is little we can do about it, but it will be a big disappointment to come this far and get a track that doesn't suit," said Wood.
"He's very well at the moment. He galloped nicely yesterday morning and I'm happy he'll run a huge race given the right conditions."
Oliver's manager Bruce Clarke is happy to have his charge on Fairway.
"Beating Sunline at weight-for-age is obviously the best form going into the Caulfield Cup," said Clarke, "with the weather being another massive factor."
Racing: Oliver chooses Fairway ride
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