Pinker in the pink ahead of Cup tilt

By Mark Ryan

MELBOURNE, Aug 11 AAP - Greg Eurell says Caulfield Cup prospect Pinker Pinker hasn't missed a beat in the lead-up to her return in Saturday's Group Three Cockram Stakes at Caulfield.

The Reset mare is having her first start since her third to Absolutely and Shamrocker in the AJC Oaks (2400m) on a heavy track at Randwick in April.

But Eurell is looking for a forward showing from the four-year-old following her pleasing second to Miss Bindi in an 800m barrier trial at Cranbourne on Monday.

"I was quite happy with the little trial she had on Monday. Dwayne (Dunn) just gave her a very soft trial," Eurell said.

"She hasn't missed a beat, she's had a good prep this time in and everything is on target for this race to kick off her campaign and I'm looking forward to it.

"Nothing worries her and she's come back looking fantastic and bulked up a little bit more and picked up from where she left off last time.

"Mentally and physically she's a very sound product."

Pinker Pinker has drawn barrier nine in the 15-horse field and will be ridden by Damien Oliver, filling in for Dunn who is riding in an International Jockey Challenge in Korea this weekend.

"She should get into a reasonable position from nine," Eurell said.

The Cranbourne trainer has mapped out a spring campaign for Pinker Pinker which will take in the Group Two Let's Elope Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on September 3 and the WH Stocks Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on September 10.

"From thereon in we will see how she's going. She's in the Caulfield Cup but it's obviously going to be a big step up once you get away from the mares races," Eurell said.

"I thought she ran exceptionally in the AJC Oaks, especially considering it was her first time over the trip, and it gave us a good indication of what we can aim for this time.

"One huge bonus with her is that she can handle all conditions.

"We'll head in that (Caulfield Cup) direction but if it is not going to plan we'll give her an ease up and there are a couple of nice mile (1600m) mares races for her."

They are the Group Three Tesio Stakes at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate day, October 22, and the Group One Myer Classic (1600m) at Flemington on Derby Day, October 29.

The Group Two Angus Armanasco Stakes (1400m) winner is at $13 with TAB Sportsbet for Saturday's 1200m event in which Bletchingly Stakes winner Mid Summer Music is $4.20 favourite.

Parables is at $6.50 ahead of Rue Maple ($8) and Do Ra Mi at $9 with Southern Speed at $10.