Connections of White Marlin, as short as $10 in places in the Melbourne Cup betting, remain intent on going for a ‘Golden Ticket’.
Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott are looking for another guaranteed start in the Cup. Their White Marlin is on course to head towards the Andrew Ramsden Stakes on May 13.
Andrew Ramsden then Next Target
White Marlin, already possessing a fine unbeaten reputation, was outstanding in the Easter Cup. His 2000-metre win at Sandown on April 8th has only heightened that reputation. There is clearly more to come, too.
Now four from four on the track, his latest win was achieved with the minimum of fuss. A 2¼-length success didn’t do him justice there, the gelding being eased down to win from Right You Are.
Now, Waterhouse and Bott continue to aim White Marlin at the Andrew Ramsden at Flemington on May 13. That race is one of the contests to carry a golden ticket – ballot exemption for the Melbourne Cup.
The Andrew Ramsden is run over a distance of 2800 metres. That is another major reason why connections are aiming the horse there, as he needs to start proving his stamina as well as his quality at some point. There’s also the matter of $500,000 in total prize money to get a share of.
Caulfield Cup Could Also Be Taken In
The team have already guaranteed one starter in the Melbourne Cup with Goldman. Showing off the stable’s impressive current crop Golman, who got his golden ticket by winning the Roy Higgins, is actually the only horse ahead of White Marlin in the betting with most firms for the Cup.
If White Marlin were to get his own ticket secured in May, it puts the yard in an enviable position. Waterhouse and Bott could then plot a route to the Cup in November with two horses, knowing they don’t have a worry about getting in and yet won’t carry a huge weight.
In another twist, White Marlin may also claim a golden ticket to the Caulfield Cup on October 21. Before the Andrew Ramsden, he may take in the Mornington Cup on April 22.
A Listed race, much like the Andrew Ramsden, the Mornington Cup doesn’t represent a step up class as such. What it does do is get White Marlin up to 2400 metres as his education continues.
European Stayers About to Get Going
In last week’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Dubai Honour swept Anamoe aside with ease. Their staying division is also looking strong this year. May means races at Sandown, Ascot and York can offer further Melbourne Cup clues.
As Racing Victoria keep their strict protocols in place however, participation isn’t guaranteed.
Read more news about the Melbourne Cup.
