THE Andreas Wohler-trained Protectionist caught the eye of many last Saturday with a fast finishing fourth in the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield over 2,400 metres.

Allocated top-weight and giving away 6kgs to the three ahead of him on the line, the run caused a reshuffle of Melbourne Cup markets which now have Protectionist an $8 favourite ahead of the Japanese-trained Bande.