It may only be late March, but another big weekend could be to come for those potentially heading to the Melbourne Cup.
There were some big performances at Rosehill on Saturday. Some of those horses may look to get to Flemington in early November too.
Now, with Vauban set for a second crack at the Melbourne Cup, there is another big weekend to come both at home and abroad with more potential Melbourne Cup horses on show.
Australian Cup Comes Up Saturday
Rosehill has been a happy hunting ground for top English trainer William Haggas. He was at it again on Saturday when he and regular jockey Tom Marquand took the Manion Cup. Sent off favourite for the Group 3, their Post Impressionist ran clear by 3½ lengths at the line.
On the same card, European import Via Sistina was impressive on her Australian debut for Chris Waller. Running in the featured Group 1 Ranvet Stakes, the mare scored well under James McDonald.
It remains to be seen whether those horses go to the Melbourne Cup, but the next big domestic race is the Australian Cup at Flemington this Saturday which will surely feature some contenders.
The 2000m race, a Group 1 weight-for-age contest, features Mr Brightside at the top of the market. In behind are Pride Of Jenni, Atishu, Legarto and Cascadian. It looks a great contest and the result is well worth keeping in mind.
Dubai Gold Cup a Major Trial
As far as lead-up races go, many will unfortunately allow the Dubai Gold Cup to go under their radar. Horses heading to the Ascot Gold Cup in England in June, and/or the Melbourne Cup may take in this race.
Past winners Brown Panther, Vazirabad, Subjectivist and Broome were all top-class stayers. Much more to the point, Cross Counter won this in 2019 and was himself a Melbourne Cup hero.
Run over the full 3200m Melbourne Cup trip, the Dubai Gold Cup is a Group 2 race. It is run this Saturday on Dubai World Cup night at Meydan in the UAE.
Four-year-old Galileo colt Tower Of London heads the market for Aidan O’Brien at around $3.75. He beat Enemy in Riyadh last time, Ian Williams’ horse set to oppose him again at around $10.
Looking to displace Tower Of London as favourite, currently $5, is a horse we really like in the shape of Trawlerman.
Trained by the Gosdens in Newmarket, this horse won the Ebor in 2022 which now carries a golden ticket. A six-year-old now, he has done nothing but improve. Trawlerman finished last year off with three wins in a row. His last win was on Champions Day at Ascot and he looks ready for Group 1 success this term.
Others to look out for are Siskany (Charlie Appleby), Eldar Eldarov and Coltrane. All are talented horses.
