We’re taking a look at some of this year’s potential Melbourne Cup contenders in more focus.
In a year when strong raiders from overseas may well be back, we reckon it’s wise to keep track of the best of them as we don’t want to be under informed when the cavalry arrives from Europe and beyond in the spring.
We begin with Grand Alliance. This attractive colt is trained by Charlie Fellowes in Newmarket, a trainer fans of the Melbourne Cup should already be very well aware of.
Alliance Brings Derby Form
Typically, we wouldn’t see much fresh Derby form in England being represented at Flemington. There have been runners in the past, but we may see much more of it this year.
Derby runner-up Hoo Ya Mal has already been purchased by Gai Waterhouse and co for a staggering fee. He may line up on November 1, but he could also be joined by Epsom 11th Grand Alliance.
The young colt already has plenty of experience, but as a March 31 foal he is maturing nicely and is improving all the time.
Staying Shouldn’t Be a Problem
Grand Alliance made his debut as a juvenile over 1700 metres on Wolverhampton’s Tapeta surface. The all-weather track isn’t the quickest and takes some getting. He was already taking on 2000 metres by February this year and appears to stay well.
There are more bits of his form that point to him being a strong galloper. The colt was second around Epsom in a Derby trial there in April behind Nahanni. The Godolphin runner is a classy type and certainly one that Charlie Appleby’s team see as a strong future stayer. Trips of up to 2800 metres are being considered for him.
After that, Grand Alliance was great in the Derby, eventually finishing 11th. He did stay the 2400 metres of Royal Ascot’s Queen’s Vase very well however, running an Aidan O’Brien runner very close in the Group 2 after drifting markedly across the track in a maneouvre which undoubtedly cost him the race.
St Leger on the Cards for Classy Type
There’s no shortage of class here. Grand Alliance was bred by owners Susan and Paul Roy. He is out of brilliant English and Irish 2000 Guineas winner Churchill.
The colt may now head for the St Leger over 2800 metres, the last Classic of the year in England. The Irish equivalent of that race of course was used as a successful lead-up for Melbourne Cup winner Twilight Payment.
Trainer Charlie Fellowes is no stranger to the Cup himself. Fellowes was responsible for saddling Prince of Arran, a real favourite and three times placed in the big race. He reckons this horse is the perfect type for the event and he ranks as a major shout for November.
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