KEY POINTS:
Australian racecourses are where dreams are fulfilled or buried.
And Caulfield is right at the top of that tree.
Tomorrow's A$3 million ($3.3 million) Caulfield Cup is probably Australia's premier luck-orientated race and the Kiwi contingent of Red Ruler, Boundless and Nom Du Jeu are about to be subjected to the big race's renowned variables.
The bend near Caulfield's 1400m point is extremely sharp and Caulfield Cup fields invariably slow at that stage of the race.
Not long after, generally around the 900m to 800m, the field takes off again in a big sprint because jockeys know there is a huge advantage in being in the right spot on the home bend in staying races at Caulfield.
That sprint has seen many Cup dreams fulfilled - and shattered.
John Sargent is well aware of this as he prepares to saddle up Red Ruler.
The $2 million Kelt Capital Stakes runner-up came out with an inside barrier draw.
Only time will tell whether that is a huge plus or a massive disadvantage.
"We won't be bustling him early, that didn't work in the Stoney Bridge Stakes," said Sargent as he was about to leave for Melbourne.
"We see him maybe three spots back on the fence."
Sargent will be leaving much of the planning to new rider Corey Brown, who knows Caulfield well.
Brown is originally from Sydney, but built up an intimate knowledge of Melbourne tracks when he was stable rider for Lee Freedman before severing those ties and moving back to Sydney a few months ago.
"Red Ruler will be hiding away for much of the race," said Sargent.
"I spoke to Corey this morning and he said the field normally sprints at the 800m, which should open them up.
"We'll try and sneak forward a place or two when that happens."
If all that goes to plan and Red Ruler settles well in the first 100m, the $21 Australian bookmakers bet about the Matamata stayer this week will look more than generous.
"If the luck comes it comes, if it doesn't there are other races in the next couple of weeks." said Sargent.
Those "other races" are the Mackinnon Stakes and, of course, the A$5.5 million Melbourne Cup.
"He could run in one or both of those."
Red Ruler, accompanied by stable foreman Hayden Allen, has settled well into Melbourne.
"He's a very laidback horse and the big thing is the forecast for the rest of the week is very good."
Corey Brown will make the trip to Caulfield this morning to trot and canter Red Ruler.
Nom Du Jeu drew gate No 20, meaning he must receive a decent slice of luck in running.
It's difficult to imagine an option for former South African jockey Jeff Lloyd other than dropping to the tail of the field from out there.
If Lloyd attempts to go forward early he'll be long odds to get a run anywhere close to the inside rail.
The horse had a slightly elevated temperature as a result of the EI inoculations he received before he left New Zealand, but is back to normal.
"There are no issues with him and he'll be at his best on Saturday," said co-trainer Murray Baker.
Nom Du Jeu's extreme draw saw him drift to $18 on the NZ TAB market. Red Ruler was rated a $12 chance, ahead of Boundless, who has pleased trainer Stephen McKee, on $14.
LUCK OF THE DRAW
* Australia's premier 2400m handicap is a luck-orientated contest.
* Leading New Zealand hopes Red Ruler and Nom Du Jeu have widely varying luck in the barrier draw with No 1 and No 20 respectively.
* Trainer John Sargent is happy enough with the inside gate for Red Ruler, despite the possibility of having to race in tight quarters for much of the journey.
* Nom Du Jeu will have to be ridden from the back from his outside gate.
