Real Love presses Caulfield Cup claims

The Darren Weir-trained Real Love has renewed her Caulfield Cup hopes with a dominant win in the JRA Cup at Moonee Valley.

A fast-finishing second in the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes at Moonee Valley, Real Love failed second-up when unplaced in the Naturalism Stakes.

The mare bounced back in Friday night’s Group Three race over 2040m, beating Maurus by three lengths.

“She needed to do what she did tonight to think you’re a chance of getting into the Caulfield Cup and a chance of running well in the Caulfield Cup,” Weir said.

“(owner) Bob Peters is a realist. He just said ‘she needs to be running well to be pushing on to the Caulfield Cup’, and I think he’ll be happy with what he saw tonight.

“The preparation has gone beautifully and she’s going to present there in great order. Whether she can win or not, I don’t know, but she runs well whatever you put her in.”

Real Love is equal 23rd in the latest ballot order for the Caulfield Cup on October 15 but there are at least four horses above her already ruled out.

Connections will find out on Monday whether she gets a weight penalty for Friday night’s win.