Melbourne Cup hopeful Absurde changes preparation with Caulfield Cup start

The Willie Mullins stable has changed mode on their attack for the Melbourne Cup with Absurde, who this year will run at Caulfield in the lead-up.

Absurde is back in Melbourne for the third time and will run in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday in a change up from his previous two trips.

Assistant-trainer David Casey has travelled each time with Absurde who has previously had former stablemate Vauban as a travelling companion.

Vauban is now in the care of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott and is also scheduled to start in the Caulfield Cup.

Casey said giving Absurde a start prior to the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 4, was not something new for the stable, however in previous Melbourne trips, Absurde had gone straight to the Cup.

“We’ve come out early to get a run into him this time,” Casey said.

“It’s something we have done before, and we’ve decided to give it a go with him.

“We thought the Caulfield Cup would suit him and I’m hoping he goes in there with a chance.

“Hopefully they go a good gallop, and they sustain it over the shorter trip, as that is what he likes.”

Absurde has been stabled in the same box at Werribee as he has in previous years and Casey said the stayer seems to know where he is.

“He’s used to the travelling, and he perked up when he got here,” Casey said.

“He recognises where he is and he’s enjoying the sun on his back.

“It’s been quite windy during the day, but that doesn’t worry him as it’s quite windy back home.

“He seems good and everything has been good so far and he worked well on Thursday.”

A number of the international horses engaged in the Caulfield Cup are expected to head to Caulfield on Tuesday for a gallop and a look at the stabling on course.

Casey said Absurde was likely to remain at Werribee to finalise preparations for Saturday’s race.

“We’ll keep him ticking over. I think he’s pretty straight and in a good place,” Casey said.

“We’ll see how he goes on Saturday, but the plan following that is to go to Flemington for the Melbourne Cup.”

Casey said he was unsure whether Mullins would fly into Melbourne for the Caulfield Cup, but if he did it would be closer to race day.