An early scratching has paved the way for Cups hopeful Araldo to make his Australian debut at Caulfield on Saturday.
The import was first emergency for the Listed Slickpix Stakes (1700m) but the withdrawal of Hawks Bay has given Araldo a start and trainer Mike Moroney is keen to get the stayer up and going in pursuit of a Cups berth.
Champion jockey Glen Boss opted to take the ride on Araldo over impressive last-start winner Pakal who is a clear-cut favourite in the early market.
Moroney said Boss made the decision after galloping Araldo at Flemington last weekend.
"When he (Boss) saw he needed one scratching I don't think he was very happy, but now he's made the field he'll be happier anyway," Moroney said.
Araldo was scratched from a race at Caulfield two weeks ago with a bruised foot but Moroney said the six-year-old was fine after a couple of days.
A Listed winner and Group One placegetter in Germany, Araldo was bought with the Cups in mind and Moroney is keen for the horse to get his first look at Caulfield.
"We'd like to think we're going to qualify for the Caulfield Cup," Moroney said.
"We've probably got a bit to do to do it, but one of the reasons we wanted to give him a look around Caulfield was for that reason."
Araldo will start from the outside gate and Moroney expects his first-up chances will be reliant on a truly run race.