In-form Oliver chasing Caulfield success

Damien Oliver’s G1 C F Orr Stakes mount is scratched but he still has a strong book at Caulfield.

Damien Oliver will be watching the C F Orr Stakes from the jockeys’ room following the scratching of Fell Swoop but still has a strong book at Caulfield.

The country’s leading Group One rider, the 46-year-old Oliver’s mounts on Saturday include last-start Moonee Valley winner Lankan Star in the fillies division of the Blue Diamond Prelude.

Providing Lankan Star comes through the race in good order, Oliver will ride the filly in the Blue Diamond Stakes on February 23.

“She won well at Moonee Valley when she beat a heavily backed horse that day,” Oliver said.

“She’s up a little bit in class and the fillies look to be really strong but she pleased me the way she sprinted last start and I think she’ll be right amongst the good chances.

“There looks to be some good chances and I think we’ll get to see the pecking order after Saturday.”

Oliver is excited to again be aboard Crack The Code who shoots for three straight in the Kevin Hayes Stakes and is looking forward to reuniting with Voodoo Lad in the Rubiton Stakes.

Voodoo Lad, now with Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, gave Oliver his most recent Group One win in the Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot in December when trained by the now-disqualified Darren Weir.

“I haven’t heard how he’s going but the thing is he’s coming off a successful Perth campaign which I think will only help him,” Oliver said.

“He’s got that residual fitness behind him and Nature Strip is obviously going to be hard to beat, but this bloke is a good sprinter.”