Jockey dilemma for Humidor

DARREN Weir said he has not decided on a jockey for equal Melbourne Cup favourite Humidor.

Weir said it was going to be between Blake Shinn, who rode him to second in the Cox Plate, and regular rider Damian Lane, who missed that ride due to suspension.

He said he was disappointed Humidor could not pass Winx in the Cox Plate but was thrilled with the run.

“Part of that frustration is also because with a better ride he would have won the Caulfield Cup with a better ride. I’m not blaming Damian [Lane] but he needed cover in that race which he got on Saturday,” Weir said.

“It was bloody frustrating but it vindicated our decision to start him which was our plan all along.

“He went well for Blake, but it doesn’t mean that Damian won’t ride him. I’ll think about it.”

Dean Yendall will ride Amelie’s Star for Weir in the Melbourne Cup.

He said Big Duke, fifth in the Moonee Valley Cup, would probably run in the Melbourne Cup.

“I’ll speak to the owners. He didn’t really get a crack at them,” he said.

Weir said Lucky Hussler would back up in the Kennedy Mile at Flemington on Saturday. Stablemate Tosen Stardom will also run in the race.

He said it was unlikely Cliff’s Edge, second in The Vase, would run in the Victoria Derby.

Anthony Freedman yesterday told stewards Tavistock Abbey would miss the race. Trent Busuttin said his stable could have three runners with Sully and Main Stage starting and he was hoping Johnny Vinko could also gain a start.

Racing Victoria chief handicapper Greg Carpenter has confirmed Who Shot Thebarman will not be re-handicapped in the Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) as a result of his win in the Group 2 McCafe Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) at The Valley.

The Chris Waller-trained nineyear-old will remain on 54kg for his attempt to become the oldest Melbourne Cup winner in history on November 7 at Flemington.

It will be the New Zealand-bred gelding’s fourth Melbourne Cup appearance.