Gingernuts Caulfield Cup plans in disarray

Caulfield Cup plans for Gingernuts are in disarray with the star New Zealander missing a vital race because of the weather.

The Rosehill Guineas winner was to have his Caulfield Cup lead-up in Saturday’s Group One Livamol Classic (2040m) but the Hastings track was ruled unsafe after heavy rain hit in the afternoon and the meeting was called off after five races.

Trainer Stephen Autridge, who prepares the Te Akau Racing team in partnership with Jamie Richards, said they would discuss all options over the next couple of days regarding the Caulfield Cup in two weeks.

“It’s certainly not ideal as it puts us in a very tricky situation with Gingernuts and his Caulfield Cup bid,” Autridge told NZ Racing Desk.

“At this stage we are booked on a flight to Australia on Wednesday but would be heading over after missing a vital race.

“We’re not sure if they are going to re-run the race but if it wasn’t tomorrow or Monday then it’s not an option for him.

“It would also mean he would have to travel to Australia, race on the Saturday and then back up seven days later for the Cup.

“It’s not something we’ve done with him before and I just don’t know if it is a viable option.

“All we can do is sit down with (Te Akau principal) David Ellis and the owners and work out what our options are once we know what the future of the Livamol Classic is, so hopefully we will have a plan in place in the next 24 hours.”