Last year’s Melbourne Cup favourite Incentivise is said to be on track to have another crack at the Cup, and his 2021 conqueror Verry Elleegant.
After a meteoric rise since joining Peter Moody, the Shamus Award gelding was sent off at skinny odds last time. Incentivise won the Makybe Diva Stakes, the Turnbull and the Caulfield Cup before heading to Flemington.
But, having been narrowly beaten by the wonder mare, it was revealed that Incentivise suffered injuries to both of his front suspensory ligaments.
Now, scans have revealed he is back on track for the Cup. Incentivise will now head to Oakland Lodge for some rehab.
Race Plans Uncertain
While it now seems that the joint-favourite for this year’s Cup is back, his plans remain fluid. Having not hit the heights until the Makybe Diva in September, it’s possible he may be targeted at the same event.
Coming back from an injury over 1600 metres may prove to be ideal. As well as this, the timing of the race gives him ample opportunity to complete rehab and get back to work.
Incentivise can still take in three races before the Cup if this plan is to work. He’d be heading back to Flemington as a horse with relatively low mileage and is sure to keep his place near the head of the market for now.
His recovery is terrific news for the Cup and for the sport. While his domestic plans will be fascinating to hear about, there are more angles to look at from the Middle East as early as next weekend.
Dubai to Offer Further Cup Insight
Given his eagerness to get involved and the possible backtracking by the VRC on invasive scans, Charlie Appleby is back in the hunt.
Next weekend sees Dubai World Cup night take place at Meydan. On the card is the 3200-metre Dubai Gold Cup in which Appleby’s Manobo is now an odds-on favourite.
A number of Godolphin horses trained by the current British champion trainer Appleby are in the Melbourne Cup odds. The former Cup winner is responsible for Yibir among others, though it appears Appleby wants to keep him and Manobo apart.
As Breeders’ Cup winner Yibir is heading to the Sheema Classic, Manobo is free to go for the Dubai World Cup and victory there could put him on track for targets including the Ascot Gold Cup and the Melbourne Cup.
With overseas bookmakers, Manobo is just a 20/1 shot for the Melbourne Cup on November 1. That’s as short as any European runner currently listed, including Appleby’s string. It may reduce even further come next week if the unbeaten Sea The Stars gelding puts in a strong staying performance.
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