After the latest Kiwi stayer began his run to the Cup, yet more potential Irish Melbourne Cup horses have emerged as early punters struggle to keep up.
Both Crystal Black and Term Of Endearment may be aimed at this year’s carnival.
De Bromhead Would Love Melbourne Cup Trip
We’ve seen what Willie Mullins can do. Now, another Irish jumps trainer is making waves on the flat.
Henry de Bromhead took his mare Term Of Endearment for a first trip to Goodwood last week for the Group Two, 2800m Lillie Langtry Stakes and came away a winner.
Now, the Grand National winner is eyeing a trip to Melbourne for the Cup after a hard-fought success.
The five-year-old daughter of Sea The Moon had already won the Bronte Cup at York. That was a Group 3 race back in May. She took a step up at ‘Glorious’ Goodwood and battled to another win.
De Bromhead was clearly delighted after the race. Complimenting jockey Billy Lee, the trainer said he was lucky to have such a filly. Though he confirms the Lillie Langtry was the obvious race for her, he surprised a few with his next target.
Although she was bought with the Cheltenham Festival in mind, it seems Term Of Endearment could be Melbourne-bound. The trainer doesn’t have too much to achieve, at least domestically, but international success is a big draw.
It would be no surprise to see this fine galloper on the plane come springtime.
Royal Ascot Winner Goes on Trial
Crystal Black lines up for the Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown this week. If running well enough, the Royal Ascot winner could well be heading for the Melbourne Cup in November.
Gerard Keane’s six-year-old gelded son of Teofilo was a very good winner of a handicap at the royal meeting back in June. In taking the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes, he won under top rider and trainer’s son Colin Keane to land his fourth win in a row.
The gelding has been afforded a break since then. Now fresh, his ownership and training team are mulling a Melbourne Cup jaunt.
Before any confirmation of a long trip can be forthcoming however, he needs one more big run. Gerard Keane calls this horse the best he’s ever had. Up to now though, he hasn’t been tried at Group level which means his appearance at Leopardstown is crucial.
When first arriving at Keane’s yard, Crystal Black had a few problems. He appears to be very sound this year however and has gone from strength to strength. He is now the yard’s true star and the sky could be the limit.
Crystal Black qualifies for the Melbourne Cup if he finishes in the first three of the Ballyroan Stakes. That of course is needed, as is the confirmation that he can handle this sort of level.
With luck, this sort of race can get Crystal Black to where he needs to be, without going too far up the handicap.
