Caulfield Cup favourite Jameka draws 13

Jameka remains a solid favourite despite drawing in the second half of the field in the Caulfield Cup.

The Ciaron Maher-trained mare firmed slightly from $3.40 to $3.30 after drawing barrier 13 for Saturday’s $3 million race.

“It’s not the outside and it’s not the inside,” Maher said.

“You need to draw a barrier to win the race but I cannot control that.

“I can only control what I can and that’s getting the horse fit and she’s in good order.”

Maher didn’t enjoy any barrier luck with his other two runners with Set Square in 20 and Pemberley 17.

Set Square has drifted to $26 since Tuesday’s draw while Pemberley is a $71 chance.

Real Love drew barrier 10 and has firmed from $8 to $7.50 to share the second line of betting with the Andreas Wohler-trained Articus.

Dual Caulfield Cup-winning jockey Craig Williams said Real Love’s draw gave him options in what he described as a very even race.

“Of course I would like to draw even closer to the running rail which would be more of an advantage, but the middle of the draw gives us options,” Williams said.

“I look forward to sitting down with Darren Weir and Peter Ellis and working out what they want to do.

“If they’re happy with how she’s come on since her last win she’s going to be a great chance in the race.”

Two of the past four Caulfield Cup winners have been internationally trained with Dunaden successful in 2012 and Admire Rakti in 2014.

The three internationals along with the Lee and Anthony Freedman-trained import Exospheric all drew favourably.

Exospheric drew three, Godolphin galloper Scottish seven, Aidan O’Brien-trained Sir Isaac Newton nine and Articus 11.

“I’m delighted with barrier seven,” Scottish’s trainer Charlie Appleby said.

“It gives Kerrin (McEvoy) plenty of options. If we can get a nice clear run into the race we are hopeful of being very competitive.”

Jamie Lovett, from owners Australian Bloodstock, said Articus would get his chance from that draw.

“I would suggest he would position up forward of midfield,” Lovett said.

“It will depend on where the speed comes.

“A few of those lightweights will roll forward from out wide but we’ve got the right bloke on board.”