Royal Supremacy Could Chase a Spring Double

An ambitious seven-day turnaround from the $6 million Gr1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) to the Gr1 Cox Plate could be on the agenda for Royal Supremacy, with Australian Bloodstock considering a demanding spring campaign reminiscent of the remarkable programme that culminated in Gold Trip's Melbourne Cup triumph four years ago. The Ciaron Maher-trained Royal Supremacy is among the leading prospects for Saturday's Caulfield Cup, but connections have already indicated that a strong performance could prompt a rapid return to Flemington for Australia's weight-for-age championship on October 24. According to racing.com, Australian Bloodstock director Jamie Lovett believes the accomplished galloper is racing better than at any previous stage of his career, having matured considerably since finishing fifth in last year's Caulfield Cup. The horse's recent achievements include victories in the Gr1 Metropolitan (2400m) and Gr2 Q22 (2200m), while his latest success in the Gr3 JRA Cup provided further evidence that his improved racing manners are translating into stronger performances. Previously inclined to race keenly, Royal Supremacy has developed into a more tractable competitor, with champion jockey Mark Zahra reportedly particularly impressed by the way he travelled during his most recent victory. Lovett acknowledged the possibility of attempting the same demanding sequence undertaken by Gold Trip in 2022, when the Maher-trained import finished second in the Caulfield Cup before contesting the Cox Plate seven days later and subsequently winning the Gr1 Melbourne Cup just 10 days after that. Gold Trip's Melbourne Cup victory, achieved at $21, remains a striking example of the durability and resilience required to contest three elite races within 17 days. The horse attempted a similar programme in 2023, finishing among the placegetters in the Caulfield Cup before missing the placings in both subsequent assignments. Royal Supremacy is also entered for this year's Melbourne Cup, raising the possibility of another extraordinary three-race campaign if his performances and recovery warrant such an undertaking. Australian Bloodstock also has a significant interest in the imported Wine Dark Sea, another Caulfield Cup contender whose credentials include an impressive British performance in the Gr3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes. Lovett believes the horse's proven ability over 2400m, combined with his encouraging trackwork since arriving in Australia, makes him a legitimate contender despite his relatively limited exposure to elite company. Meanwhile, the ownership group awaits the Melbourne arrival of Joseph O'Brien-trained Defiantly, who heads early Melbourne Cup betting and is expected to arrive with an ideal European preparation behind him. With three international staying prospects carrying Australian Bloodstock's ambitions into the major spring contests, Royal Supremacy's performance on Saturday could determine whether connections pursue one of the carnival's most challenging and unusual assignments.