Japanese horse Bande continues to shorten at Sportingbet for Saturday’s Crown Golden Ale Caulfield Cup.

A $9 chance at Sportingbet before Tuesday’s barrier draw, Bande is now $7.50 and a clear second favourite behind Lucia Valentina, who has drifted from $4.40 to $4.60.

“We’ve taken one bet of $6,000 at $8 for Bande and a stack of smaller but still significant wagers,” Sportingbet’s Andrew Brown said.

“It’s clear that Bande is the punters’ pick of the two Japanese horses as we’ve taken three-times more cash for him compared to Admire Rakti.”

Admire Rakti has drifted from $10 to $11 at Sportingbet. Other notable runners that have been easy in betting include Dandino ($14 to $15), Hawkspur ($17 to $21) and The Offer ($21 to $26).

Peter Moody’s runners continue to attract solid support, with Brambles $26 to $14 since the final field was declared and Lidari $19 to $10 during the same period.

2014 Crown Golden Ale Caulfield Cup

Odds from Sportingbet (odds in brackets are from Wednesday afternoon)

Lucia Valentina $4.60 (was $4.40)

Bande $7.50 (was $8)

Lidari $10 (steady)

Admire Rakti $11 (was $10)

Brambles $14 (was $21)

Dandino $15 (was $14)

Rising Romance $16 (was $15)

Junoob $14 (steady)

Who Shot Thebarman $17 (was $16)

Dear Demi $17 (steady)

Hawkspur $21 (was $17)

Stipulate$21 (steady)

Moriarty $21 (steady)

Big Memory $26 (was $21)

The Offer $26 (was $21)

Seismos $26 (was $31)

Gris Caro $31 (doubtful)

Green Moon $31 (steady)

Araldo $61 (steady)

Sea Moon $61 (steady)

Unchain My Heart $201 (was $151)

Renew $251 (steady)