Fitness and form allowing, we should see a start in the Melbourne Cup for Team Williams on November 1.
Their Point Nepean stormed into the race, gaining an automatic entry after staying on very well to land Saturday’s Andrew Ramsden Stakes (Listed) at Flemington.
The race provides a ballot exemption for the big race for the winner. Despite recent criticism of the event’s depth, Point Nepean’s team have no complaints.
Williams the Cup Kings
While receiving a golden ticket right into the main event at the Spring Carnival is a thrill for any owner, getting into the Melbourne Cup is nothing new to owner Lloyd Williams.
Williams in fact has won seven Cups in his time. He has never given up on adding to his impressive collection, either. There is no doubt then that as long as Point Nepean stays healthy, he’ll be in the field on the first Tuesday in November.
Nick Williams, part owner with his father, has also had a great time in the past in the Cup. He has been associated with a number of high-profile runners, including Twilight Payment who won the big race back in 2020.
He and trainer Robert Hickmott were clearly pleased with the improvement shown by the son of Camelot. His upward trajectory is certainly a key point with November in mind.
Point Impressed at Flemington
The Ramsden was also a major victory for apprentice rider Alana Kelly.
Under Kelly, Point Nepean made a strong move at Flemington with 1000 metres to go. The $6 shot went away at the end impressively to score by ¾ of a length. Luncies was second and there was a further break of 2¼ lengths to Through Irish Eyes in third.
The win was seen as particularly impressive by connections. Up against experienced stayers, Point Nepean quickened nicely despite, according to his owners, being up against it at the weights.
Nick Williams reckons his horse was poorly in at the weights on Saturday. He also commented post-race that plenty went wrong for jockey Alana Kelly during their run.
Kelly showed no panic however, keeping her mount in a good rhythm throughout.
Williams also pointed out that he has had similar experiences in the past with unfurnished horses. 2016 Melbourne Cup hero Almandin was, according to the owner, similar to Point Nepean in that he was not the finished article when he arrived.
Despite a win on debut at Navan when trained in Ireland by Joseph O’Brien, there has clearly been work to do.
The team thinks now though that their runner is a true two-mile horse. Strong through the line at Caulfield and similar on Saturday, the cut and thrust of the Melbourne Cup and the 3200-metre trip should not bother him and he is certainly one to keep onside.
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