Finally, with the Caulfield Cup just two weeks away, there is now a genuine favourite in the form of Lucia Valentina, at the head of affairs after racing at Flemington on Saturday.

There are no pretenders leading into the race now, Lucia Valentina, she is the real deal as was shown in winning the weight for age Turnbull Stakes.

Lucia Valentina is a worthy favourite at present, and that is not likely to change as the Caulfield Cup draws closer.

The mare had some issues leading into the race due to a hoof injury; she had not galloped fast since Tuesday.

Lucia Valentina is weighted at 51kg against 53.5 kg she carried in the Turnbull, she is well in at the weights and cannot be penalised.

Lidari and Brambles, out of the Peter Moody yard, filled the placings, but neither are assured of a start, Lidari is equal 37 in order of entry, while Brambles was 65 in order of entry, however, after Saturday’s racing he is now equal 38 in order of entry.

The placings were the positives out of Saturday’s weight for age contest, it is hard to make a case for any of the others except for Shoreham, he was well out of his class yet came from last to finish seventh, he would be a chance in a provincial Cup this time in.

Lucia Valentina now Caulfield Cup favourite

Kris Lees is to stranger to Melbourne, he won the Oaks with Samantha Miss in 2008, he took up training at Broadmeadow, (Newcastle), after the death of his father, Max, who prepared the champion two year old, Luskin Star.

Kris Lees and Kerrin McEvoy looking pleased with themselves

Penalties were announced at lunchtime for the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup.

Junoob 1.5 kg now, 53.5 kg Caulfield Cup ---- 1.5 kg now, 55.5 Melbourne

Who Shot Thebarman 1.5 kg now, 53 kg Caulfield Cup ---- 0.5 kg now, 55 kg Melbourne Cup.

He’s Your Man 1.5 kg now 52.5, Caulfield Cup ----1.5 kg now, 54.5 Melbourne Cup.