QEWY CUP HOPE

QEWY is on a win or bust Bendigo Cup mission tomorrow with the veteran’s performance likely to impact the Melbourne Cup aspirations of several other runners.

Ranked 22nd in the Cup order of entry after yesterday’s crucial second acceptances, Qewy is assured a start next Tuesday.

But, with fellow Godolphin star Hartnell now back in the Cup mix, last year’s fourth place-getter Qewy needs to win impressively at Bendigo to earn another Flemington tilt.

“Hopefully he goes and wins nicely on Wednesday and that opens the door to Melbourne (Cup),” Charlie Appleby’s assistant trainer Chris Connett said.

“If he doesn’t (win) then that might close the door.

“He would have to win well at Bendigo for that to even be an option so we’ll look at Bendigo first and get that out of the way first.

“We’re very positive that he’s fit and well and that he’ll go there and do himself justice on Wednesday.

“He’s bouncing and getting better and better each day.”

To be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, Qewy will face only six rivals at Bendigo including impressive last start Caulfield winner Kiwia.

Qewy last season won the Geelong and Sandown Cups either side of an excellent Melbourne Cup fourth — behind Almandin, Heartbreak City and Hartnell.

James Cummings has confirmed Hartnell, who sits third in the order of entry, remains strongly in Cups contention.

Another possible Flemington objective for Hartnell is the Emirates Stakes on the final day of the Cup carnival — a race Appleby will definitely target with Cox Plate third place-getter Folkswood.

“We’re very happy with him. To go down to a super mare like Winx, there’s no shame in that.” Connett said.

“He pulled up great, he’s fresh and well.

“The plan, right from the start, was to go to the Emirates.”

Stablemate Kidmenever, who performed below expectations in the Herbert Power, will contest Melbourne Cup Day Plate (1800m) next week.