With the Melbourne Cup fast approaching, we are a little clearer now about jockey bookings for the big race.
There are only two weeks to go and, retainers and long-standing associations aside, more jockey bookings are now taking shape as we look forward to November 1.
Dee Hoping to Keep the Ride on Durston
Michael Dee landed the biggest race of his career on Saturday. The jockey was on board Durston as the pair came late to land a famous Caulfield Cup victory. Now, the rider is hoping to stay on board Highclere’s son of Sea The Moon.
James McDonald was on top when Durston landed the Newcastle Cup in September, while Kerrin McEvoy did the steering when Durston ran sixth in the Metropolitan.
As we’ve already reported however, McEvoy has been booked to ride the favourite this time around, Deauville Legend. He reunites with Englishman James Ferguson after the pair’s days together at Godolphin, meaning Dee is hopeful of retaining the ride on Durston who now has a double penalty.
Shinn Booked in But Handed Suspension Again
The owners of former Cup winner Vow And Declare have booked Blake Shinn to ride the horse this time around. As it turns out however, the rider may leave Victoria altogether.
Vow And Declare is back in form and could be a rare multiple winner having taken the race in 2019. He is officially in now having run sixth in the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.
Indeed, Vow And Declare’s odds have been slashed as it appears he is improving all the time. In the process however, Shinn was hit with a riding ban. He has been outed for eight meetings for careless riding after causing interference to No Compromise.
That was the third time Blake Shinn has been suspended since he returned from Hong Kong. He has offered no public comment, but is believed to be fed up with always being targeted by the stewards in Victoria.
There is now a chance he will head off to New South Wales after the spring carnival.
Bowman Back with Duais
Superstar jockey Hugh Bowman is another with a guaranteed ride in the Melbourne Cup. The four-time Cox Plate winner is set to be reunited with Edward Cummings’ top fancy, Duais. Duais has been partnered regularly this year so far by Josh Parr.
Duais was 8th in the Caulfield Cup on Saturday, losing out by 2½ lengths. Only the winner Durston posted a faster final 600 metres however as the mare powered home from near last. Connections believe she needs the 3200m trip at Flemington now, with Bowman the best man to partner her.
Bowman rode Duais in her early career, finishing second in the Australian Oaks and winning the Queensland Oaks. The pair are well fancied to run a big one on November 1.
