Peter Moody's challenge for gold

RACING

Melbourne's premier trainer Peter Moody has laid it down to the Caulfield Cup favourite Glencadam Gold, declaring the Sydney stayer won't get things his own way in Saturday's Group 1 feature.

With a hint of old-fashioned, inter-city rivalry, Moody suggested Glencadam Gold may have had it easy in his recent Sydney runs, a situation that won't exist at Caulfield.

"He's looked good in Sydney," Moody said. "But I know my horse Voila Ici will go forward in the race, so Glencadam Gold is going to have to withstand more pressure than I think he's seen in Sydney.

"He might be able to do that, he might thrive on it. But we're not going to run and hide."

Glencadam Gold is the clear and obvious favourite for Saturday's $2.5 million race after winning his only four Australian starts, the latest in the Metropolitan at Randwick when he led throughout to score by almost four lengths.

But the imported galloper is facing by far his most serious examination on Saturday. And Moody has the numbers and the quality to make it a thorough test.

In his quest for his first "major" of the Melbourne spring carnival, Moody will saddle the imported pair Voila Ici and Sneak a Peak and the local mare Lights Of Heaven.

Moody's pick is Brisbane Cup winner Lights Of Heaven, which he says is a more mature mare than when one of the early favourites for last spring's big Cups but didn't stand up to the preparation.

"Voila Ici and Sneak A Peek have only been with us for a short time and we're still learning about them," he said. "She was too immature last spring, but she's raced particularly well in the autumn and winter in Queensland and she spelled super."

If Lights Of Heaven was to put a foot wrong, Voila Ici and Sneak A Peek are able back-ups.

When the final field was declared yesterday, there was no surprises among the 18 horses to face the starter in the world's richest 2400m handicap race.

Alcopop and Moudre secured the final two places with Sabrage the first of four emergencies. AAP