A couple of early golden ticket races have already come and gone in Australia.
March’s Roy Higgins Quality was won by Mark Twain, while in May the Andrew Ramsden was taken by The Map.
With the next round of recognised domestic lead-up races not due until October, many will be taking their eye off the ball. However, it is peak season now in Europe and there are some top staying races to come between now and the Bart Cummings this spring.
We’re taking a look at the big players there with an eye on the Melbourne Cup on November 5.
Goodwood and York to the Fore
Royal Ascot may have been and gone in England, but there is still much more to come.
‘Glorious Goodwood’, a five-day festival much like the royal meeting, starts on July 30. Among other races it contains the two-mile (3200m) Goodwood Cup. That’s a race worth watching with Flemington in mind.
Ascot Gold Cup winner Kyprios is favourite for that race, though it may be those at bigger prices whose trainers have Melbourne in mind.
York a Veritable Feast
After Goodwood on the British racing roadshow comes York. The Ebor Festival is an action-packed three-day meet. Among the planned races are at least three which could affect the Melbourne Cup odds.
The Ebor Handicap itself is the feature race of the week. A 3200m handicap race, it is open and can attract some very classy types. It also comes with a golden ticket into the Melbourne Cup.
Not every owner/trainer combo with a chance of winning the Ebor will want to head to Flemington. The Mullins and Maher teams are taking shape though and they are two with a potential interest in this event.
As of now, the likes of Belloccio, Harbour Wind and Fairbanks are near the top of the market. Each would be interesting if heading down under.
As well as the Ebor, York also hosts the Lonsdale Cup that week (August 21-24). Another 3200m race, this time the Lonsdale is a Group 2 weight-for-age race. It should feature some of the same talent seen in the Ascot Gold Cup and Goodwood Cup, though some may be saved for Doncaster and the Curragh.
Even then, that’s not all. The 2400m Great Voltigeur was won by subsequent Melbourne Cup favourite Deauville Legend a couple of years go. The race is for three-year-olds only and is usually very high class.
