James Ferguson, trainer of current Melbourne Cup favourite Deauville Legend, has said his horse is in “peak condition”. He travels to Werribee soon, being due to arrive in the wee hours of Wednesday morning.
Always an exciting time of year, various shipments of horses are about to arrive. Another flight is due into Melbourne late on Tuesday evening carrying Camorra, Hoo Ya Mal, Loft and Without A Fight.
Easy Going for Legend
Given the fitness of Deauville Legend, achieved right on the track by some supreme performances this year, James Ferguson’s runner will not be doing a whole lot when he arrives at Werribee.
He is now fully ready to travel and will be given an easy time. Ferguson has stated that he needs just a couple of gallops at the most before his date with destiny in three weeks’ time.
Connections are confident the horse will travel well. He begins two weeks of quarantine after arriving.
Two Months of Favouritism
There is so much attention on this horse, owing to his place in the market. The son of super sire Sea The Stars has been favourite for the Cup since mid-August. Then, he took the Great Voltigeur at York in great style and has attracted plenty of futures bets since.
While Deauville Legend continues at the top of the betting, he has now been joined. German-trained Loft is also now an $8 chance despite his form not being quite as strong. Check all information about Melbourne Cup betting (bookmakers, odds, favourites).
In behind on $15 are Camorra and Without A Fight as those trained overseas this year dominate. Hoo Ya Mal, a recent Australian recruit, joins Alegron, Duais and Gold Trip on $18, the shortest-priced Australian nominees.
James Ferguson has said that favouritism for the $8 million race is an honour. Despite that, all that counts is getting the horse to and from Melbourne safely. The entire team knows what a steep task they have in three weeks.
Could We See Deauville Legend Again Next Year?
James Ferguson’s pal Kerrin McEvoy has been booked to ride the race favourite and his short-term future is clear. What does the future hold for Deauville Legend after November 1, however?
His trainer wants to get him back to Newmarket with an eye on some big European targets next year. He is among the better stayers on that continent now, meaning he could be in line to tackle such races as the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.
Ferguson reckons he will improve next year and if he goes well in the Cup, it could be that a second crack at the big race is how his 2023 is planned.
The trainer himself arrives in Melbourne next week. He will saddle El Bodegon in the Cox Plate for Australian owners.
Read more news about the Melbourne Cup.
