Single Gaze on song for Caulfield Stakes

Trainer Nock Olive is excited about the prospects of Single Gaze in the Group One Caulfield Stakes.

It is getting to the business end of Single Gaze’s Melbourne spring campaign and excitement is building for trainer Nick Olive who believes his stable star is warming to the task.

The Canberra trainer is enjoying the experience with the Group One winner based in Melbourne for the spring and competing in a host of feature races.

“It’s awesome,” Olive said.

“I’ve never had a horse this good.

“Even just the vibe out at Caulfield on Tuesday morning at trackwork was unreal.

“Just being part of that and to be aiming towards these big races is pretty exciting for the whole team involved.”

Single Gaze has been based at Caulfield with Olive mapping out a campaign aimed at the $3 million Caulfield Cup (2400m) on a seven-day back-up after Saturday’s $1 million Caulfield Stakes (2000m).

“I just feel it will really benefit her backing up over 2400 metres the week later,” Olive said.

And he believes last year’s Group One Vinery Stud Stakes winner is ready to stand up and be counted on Saturday ahead of her main spring aim.

“I do feel she’s going to be super competitive on Saturday,” he said.

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“I think she’s a definite each-way chance.

“It would be great to win this race on the way through.”

Single Gaze has improved in each of her three Group One weight-for-age starts this spring, most recently finishing less than two lengths from the winner Bonneval when fourth in the Underwood Stakes (1800m).

She meets the three horses who beat her home last start – Bonneval, Hartnell, Gailo Chop – plus a few international visitors in the Caulfield Stakes and has barrier one in the field of 11.

Hartnell is the $2.80 favourite ahead of Bonneval ($3) while Single Gaze is at $21.

Olive was buoyed by Single Gaze’s work over 1200m on the Caulfield course proper on Tuesday.

“It was probably one of the better gallops of her career,” he said.

“She’s taken big improvement out of each run and I thought her run the other day in the Underwood was great.

“I’m looking forward to Saturday, getting up to 2000 metres.

“I think she’s right where we want her and I think she’s really stepped up to the weight-for-age standard. She’s really taken that next step.”