Night’s Watch earns Caulfield Cup berth

Night’s Watch has earned a ballot exemption into the Caulfield Cup with victory in the MRC Foundation Cup at Caulfield.

But trainer Darren Weir says the five-year-old is not guaranteed to start in the $5 million race on October 20 after his win on Saturday.

And a veterinary examination might have the final say because Racing Victoria stewards reported Night’s Watch pulled up lame in the off-hind leg.

Weir’s Warrnambool foreman Jarrod McLean said he was told after the gelding was swabbed post-race that the gelding wasn’t stretching out.

“It sounds like it might be something up high,” McLean said.

“We’ll get him home and have a good look at him in the morning.”.

Earlier, Weir said he would wait until the gelding had his next start in the Caulfield Stakes a week before the Caulfield Cup before making a final decision.

“I love backing horses up,” Weir said.

“It will be three weeks to the Caulfield Stakes and then if he runs well in the Caulfield Stakes we can back up into the Caulfield Cup.

“If it’s not this year, it’ll be next year.”

Night’s Watch entered Saturday’s race equal 78th in the order of entry into the Caulfield Cup but leap-frogged his way into the race with his late surge.

Ridden by Damian Lane, Night’s Watch was sent off the $2.70 favourite in scoring a long-neck win over Rising Red ($16) with Odeon ($9) a short-head away third.

One thing concerning for Weir has been Night’s Watch recent habit of slow starts.

But he said the gelding has been a work in progress since joining his team from New Zealand over 12 months ago.

Weir pointed to his Warrnambool team of Jarrod McLean and Tyson Kermond in mending the gelding’s manners.

“He’s living up to the potential that he showed early days when his manners weren’t right,” Weir said.

“It was a good ride by Damian. He crept on the corner and put himself in striking distance but then they fanned and were everywhere.

“It’s nice that he’s won a decent race because he’s deserved it.”

Night’s Watch firmed into second favouritism at $8 for the Caulfield Cup behind stablemate Kings Will Dream at $4.50.