Tactics change for Caulfield Cup favourite

Aidan O’Brien trains Caulfield Cup favourite Johannes Vermeer who will go forward in the G1 race.

Connections of Irish horse Johannes Vermeer have made their intentions known with the favourite for the $3 million Caulfield Cup.

Prominent Australian owner Lloyd Williams is a shareholder in the Aidan O’Brien-trained Johannes Vermeer who stormed into Caulfield Cup favouritism after his fast-finishing second in last Saturday’s Caulfield Stakes (2000m).

On that occasion the international visitor settled slightly worse than midfield and powered home in the straight.

Racing Victoria stewards have reported a change of tactics for Johannes Vermeer in Saturday’s $3 million 2400m handicap with the intention for Johannes Vermeer to be ridden positively and ideally settle third to fifth in the field of 17.

If Johannes Vermeer wins the Caulfield Cup, O’Brien will equal the late Bobby Frankel’s world record 25 Grade/Group One victories in a year ahead of Champions Day at Ascot where the trainer willl have a strong team.

Another Williams-owned horse, the Robert Hickmott-trained Sir Isaac Newton will also have a change of tactics with the intention to lead.

Connections believe he is better rolling along than being restrained.

Ben Melham has the ride on Johannes Vermeer on Saturday.

Melham believes the five-year-old has a lot of things in his favour going into the race in which he will jump from barrier two.

“He showed good speed from the barriers the other day. He relaxed nicely after that and he’s got a good change up of speed as well,” Melham said.

“So he’s an ideal sort of horse for a Caulfield Cup.”