By Patrick Bartley
As those close to the powerful international contingent set for Saturday's $2.5 million Caulfield Cup were putting the finishing touches on their preparations, racing officials were confident the group would dominate.
Final gallops were held on Tuesday morning at Werribee and those involved with Articus, Exospheric, Scottish and Sir Isaac Newton came away happy.
Scottish (left) and Francis Of Assisi head out to a trackwork session at Werribee on Tuesday. Credit: Getty Images
Exospheric, Scottish and Sir Isaac Newton worked strongly, while German stayer Articus galloped powerfully on Monday morning.
"I've been to all the stables now and they all seem extremely happy with the way they have settled in and, more importantly, the way they worked while they have been down at Werribee," Australian international recruiting manager Leigh Jordan said on Tuesday.
"I can't remember such an easy build-up to a Caulfield Cup ... They are all healthy, and ready for the race,"
Scottish and Sir Isaac Newton looked strong, working over 1400 metres, however Articus worked only slowly.
Jordan said the internationals' connections were taken to Caulfield last week and shown the track.
"We walked the track and they were keen to know more about it and we went through it stage by stage. I took them to the top of the straight where the race will start," he said.
"The point wasn't lost on them, the importance of drawing a kind barrier, because they could see that the track was a lot tighter than Flemington and there is a great need for cover in the early stages."
Bookmakers will be hoping the Caulfield Cup remains in Australia as Articus, Scottish and Sir Isaac Newton have been heavily supported since betting opened.
Metropolitan runner-up Antonio Giuseppe will not be a cup starter and will go for a spell.
The powerful Chris Waller stable will be left with two runners - Preferment and Sacred Master.
Last Saturday's Caulfield Guineas winner Divine Profit will be spelled and plans for a Cox Plate start have been scrapped.
"He's fine, it is just the case of job well done and he's now going for a break," said co-trainer Wayne Hawkes.
Group 1 winner Hucklebuck has been retired after damaging a tendon in Saturday's Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield.