Racing: Volkstok'n'barrell pays up for Caulfield Cup

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Connections of Volkstok'n'barrell have paid the next A$1400 progressive payment and will go forward to the Caulfield Cup on Saturday week.

There had been doubt about continuing the Australian spring campaign after Volkstok'n'barrell's unplaced effort in last weekend's A$500,000 Turnbull Stakes.

"Chris [Gibbs, co-trainer] says he can't really fault the horse and nothing has come of driving the nail into his foot at the track on Saturday," said co-trainer Donna Logan.

"So, at this stage, there is no reason not to press ahead. If he pleases us with his fast work from this point he will run in the Caulfield Cup.

"If at any stage we're not happy he'll be coming home."

• Jimmy Choux's little half-sister Miss Wilson made a stunning Australian debut in winning at Ballarat yesterday.

The classy filly greatly impressed new trainer Simon Morish and rider Dwayne Dunn.

Morish paid tribute to the condition of Miss Wilson when she recently arrived at his Victorian stable. "I've got to thank John Bary. He sent her over to me in such wonderful condition."

Dunn labelled Miss Wilson "untapped". "She has a lovely stride on her and I can see how she would not have managed wet tracks over in New Zealand. She's very raw, but she's talented."

Morish said the owners have high expectations and only time would reveal whether the filly has the talent to match them.

She may now be set for Victoria Oaks at Flemington on November 5.

&bull: There were three fabulous winning efforts at Taupo yesterday: winning runs from fillies Capella, Duchess Kate and Khalama.

Capella showed talent to win from the back. Opie Bosson had to make a sweeping run around the field from the 800m and Capella did not flinch in the run to the line, gathering in the leaders in the final 250m.

"She has a long stride on her and she has a real turn of foot," said an impressed Bosson. "She's bred to go further and what she's doing now is only a bonus."

Trainer Danica Guy said she will continue with plans to run Capella in the 1000 Guineas, probably via the Soliloquy Stakes at Ellerslie.

Duchess Kate produced a similar last 200m sprint to reel in Thornhill, who looked certain to win.

Trainer Stephen Autridge indicated the 1000 Guineas was also on the plans for Duchess Kate.