Weissmuller gets his moment in the sun

Monday 5 August 2013, 4:03pm

The travelling companion of boom New Zealand colt Cauthen gets his chance in the spotlight at Flemington on Saturday .

Wellington Stakes winner Weissmuller, who of course has the nickname Tarzan, is one of 31 horses nominated for the $100,000 Lesley Viney and Colin McKnight Hcp (1410m).

His trainer Andrew Campbell says the four-year-old gelding is relishing Australian conditions after arriving in Melbourne almost two weeks ago.

"He's really happy, he's flying," Campbell said.

His quality opposition on Saturday includes recent last-start city winners Henwood, Reparations, Regalmania, Don't Get Excited and Magnifique Soleil as well as Naturalism Stakes winner Folding Gear and Bletchingly Stakes runner-up Academy Jack.

"This will be his big test," Campbell said.

Campbell praised Cauthen's run on Saturday at Moonee Valley where he came home strongly for second to Clevadude after being checked during the race.

Backed from $2.05 to $1.80 on the strength of an eight-length win at his only other start, Cauthen raced greenly and lost several lengths when he threw his head in the air and bumped another runner at the 300m in the Sweeney Can Do Agents Handicap (1000m).

"We would have loved to have won but it was as good as a win," Campbell said.

"He hit the line really well after he got that check."

Cauthen's next race will be the Listed Nissan Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on August 24.

The three-year-old will also be entered in the Caulfield Guineas and Cox Plate while Weissmuller has his name down for the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate.

"We're dreaming, but it's better to be in it than not," Campbell said.

With first place prize money of $60,000 on Saturday, Weissmuller has the chance to almost double what he has earned in his six starts in New Zealand.

– AAP

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