Bart Cummings has begun his quest for a 13th Melbourne Cup confirming last years winner Viewed and AJC Derby winner Roman Emperor in Sydney undertaking light trackwork after the post Autumn carnival spells. The last AJC Derby winner to kick on and win the Melbourne Cup as a four year old was Phar Lap in 1930.
In other Melbourne Cup news, it appears that the fall-out of EI from 2007 will continue to keep Japanses horses away from the Melbourne Cup, which for the locals is probably a good thing with the way Deltra Blues and Pop Rock put everyone to the sword in 2006. At least the likes of Viewed, Efficient and Tuesday Joy will be able to continue their punishment of those from the UK, one way to ensure the Cup stays down-under.
And finally for those in New Zealand, it looks like Cambridge is looking to set itself as New Zealand’s offical Melbourne Cup region with plans to host NZ’s large, most public Melbourne Cup celebration this year. Why Cambridge you ask? Well, it has been the home of 14 Melbourne Cup winners, with eight having an association with Cambridge Stud. So if you are in NZ and want to embrace the Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday in November then Cambridge is your place, almost as good as being there. For more information visit, The First Tuesday Trust.
Moatize gets Bart another runner in the Cup with a classic win in the Saab Quality. Winning Jockey Micahel Rodd said that you should never under estimate the Cups Kings, Bart Cummings and that Moatize will run out the two miles and only carrying 50kgs will be a massive chance to win.
Saab Quality
As for my chance Littorio, I was happy with his run, he was never really going to win and this was simply another hit out before the Cup. Interestingly in the race, Littorio gets 1 hit of the whip from Steven King at the 300m mark and that is all, whereas Newitt on Princess Coup was pounding the crap out of her and Littorio was still moving along well at the line and had a lot left in the tank. I was happy with the $16 on offer Saturday before the race and now will be taking the $31, I still think it is the best chance of the race. Barrier 17 will be no issue it will get back and wait for the straight and power home.
As for the Mackinnon, what a finish, Theseo by the closest of margins.
From, www.racingandsports/racing
Ice Chariot 5th– made some nice ground from the rear, his last 600 of 33.89 seconds is perfectly satisfactory for Tuesday.
Littorio 8th– Got back near last and on face value was average but his last 600 of 33.70 was good enough to suggest that the run in the Mackinnon is best forgotten. (ed – Simply a hit out as per trainer comments before the race in various press)
