It’s been a busy old week as we hurtle towards what looks like being a stunning renewal of the Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 1. We have all the latest for you.
Tashkan Out After Initial Withdrawals
English trainer Brian Ellison has been frustrated by the Melbourne Cup in the past. The Geordie will not be sending his stable star Tashkan this year either, with France now on the cards.
Ellison has decided on the Prix du Cadran at Longchamp on Arc weekend as the likely target. The news comes despite the fact that Tashkan had passed his pre-quarantine scans for Flemington.
A number of horses from Europe have this week been ruled out. It isn’t clear whether pre-flight checks were to blame for any of them.
State Of Rest (Joseph O’Brien) has been retired, stablemate Cleveland, a leading hope, is also out as well as Ebor winner Trawlerman and Germany’s Northern Ruler.
Hayes Heads to Ireland in Diligent Pre-Cup Check
There has been some attention to detail placed on the Cup by Lindsay Park. JD Hayes goes to Ireland this week to look over new recruit Camorra. The horse goes for the Irish St Leger this coming Sunday.
Hayes is set to meet Aidan O’Brien on his trip, but is in the country to see Camorra and current handler Ger Lyons. The trainer wants to know every important detail about the horse.
Along with Lyons, Hayes will discover how to go into the Cup. The current trainer knows every inch of Camorra. Hayes needs to know about preferred feed and type of work. He will also witness the horse run in the St Leger.
Hoo Ya Mal Bang on Track After Taking Victory
Over in England, the March Stakes attracted a small field of four runners but the quality of the winner, Cup hope Hoo Ya Mal, still shone through.
The best horse on ratings, he still had to prove he could stay the trip. Top jockey William Buick eased him into the race before hitting the front and moving clear in style.
The Derby runner-up, a $2m purchase with the Melbourne Cup in mind, now goes for the St Leger on Saturday at Doncaster.
New Melbourne Cup Handicapper Announced by Racing Victoria
One of the highest-pressure jobs in the industry has been up for grabs. Now, the man responsible for allocating the Melbourne Cup weights has been announced.
After Greg Carpenter’s departure, the job has been inherited by David Hegan.
Hegan was a long-time deputy to Greg Carpenter. He has now been promoted to the prestigious and pressure-filled role of Head of Handicapping.
Hegan is not short of experience either. He’s been a part of the panel of RV handicappers for 17 years and will announce this year’s Cup weights.
See here the top 23 horses for Melbourne Cup 2022.
Read more news about the Melbourne Cup.
