Cosmic Crusader chasing Caulfield Cup glory for Peters
Prominent owner and breeder Bob Peters is hoping New Zealand-bred gelding Cosmic Crusader (NZ) (Maurice) can deliver him a long-awaited Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) victory on Saturday, 38 years after narrowly missing out on the prestigious staying feature.
The six-year-old, who was born at Windsor Park Stud in Cambridge, heads into the A$5 million contest following an impressive victory in the Gr.1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington, with regular rider William Pike again aboard.
Peters, who bred Cosmic Crusader, admits there is a mixture of excitement and apprehension ahead of the gelding's first attempt at 2400m.
“It probably happens to trainers too, when you’ve got as close as interest as I’ve got, it’s really apprehension about what’s going to happen,” Peters told Racing.com.
Cosmic Crusader's emergence as a Group One contender has been remarkable, having undergone throat surgery after struggling to reproduce his early form.
Veterinarian Dr Tom Ahern identified a soft palate issue requiring surgery, and the gelding has subsequently developed into one of Australia's leading middle-distance performers.
His Turnbull Stakes triumph came on a Heavy 8 surface, and Peters admits a firmer Caulfield track is a concern.
“I am a bit worried about the track because he didn’t perform that well in the Underwood when the track dried out and there isn’t much rain around in Melbourne this week,” he said.
“But Group 1s, you all aspire to have a runner and we are lucky enough to have a horse in one.”
While Cosmic Crusader is yet to race beyond 2000m, Peters believes his strong finishing efforts suggest he can handle the additional distance.
“It’s a bit of a question mark,” he said.
“But the way he finishes his races off, he always seems to have a bit left there.”
Peters has unfinished business with the Caulfield Cup, having watched his runner Congressman narrowly beaten by Imposera in 1988.
He recalled believing he had won, with then Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke among those congratulating him before the photo finish went against his horse.
“We thought we had it won,” Peters said.
“Bob Hawke was the Prime Minister at the time and he’s patting me on the back and he said ‘you’ve won it mate’ and everyone was saying it and even I actually thought he’d won.
“He was going that hard on the line. He got caught up on the corner but when he got out he just flew home and normally when they are on the outside with that momentum, they usually get the nod. But not this time.”
Nearly four decades later, Peters is hoping Cosmic Crusader can provide a different result in his famous cerise and white silks.
“I’m hoping I’ll have something good to look at,” he said.
