Folding Gear (NZ) is back in work and firing up for another shot at the G1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) in October.

The NZ Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale graduate is trained by Lee and Shannon Hope and first came under notice with a Group 3 victory in the 2012 Naturalism Stakes.  He was then far from disgraced when finishing just three lengths from Dunaden in last year’s Caulfield Cup.

Folding Gear (5g Johar – Royal Show by Deputy Governor) has impressed the Hopes with the way he has continued to develop.  The form around his close second to Jet Away in the G3 Easter Cup in March also makes them confident of a strong spring campaign.

“He looks good, but he’s still got to come up,” Lee Hope said.  “He’s got to find two or three lengths, but I think he can as he’s a good, tough horse.  The Caulfield Cup last year was the hardest one in years.”

The son of Johar was successfully pin-hooked from the 2009 NZB Karaka Select Sale where he was purchased by Paul Duncan from Chequers Stud for $30,000.

He was then purchased by Lee Hope from Esker Lodge at the NZB 2009 Ready to Run Sale for $50,000.  He has won 4 of his 19 races for $460,850 in prizemoney.

The Hopes enjoyed further success this season with NZB Ready to Run Sale graduate Total Pursuit who won at Sandown last Wednesday.  The (NZ) bred son of Bachelor Duke was purchased from Venture Thoroughbreds at NZB’s 2010 Ready to Run Sale for $80,000.