Almandin in first start since Cup win
ALMANDIN will face just nine rivals in his racetrack return at Moonee Valley on Saturday as Robert Hickmott and Lloyd Williams plot a pathway to successive Melbourne Cups with the import.
A TAB $6.50 chance in the 2040m MSC Signs Handicap, Almandin has not raced since edging out Ireland’s Heartbreak City in last year’s Cup.
The former German will concede up to 7kg to rivals in his first-up assignment as Darren Weir’s Pacodali, the $3.70 favourite, chases a fourth win in five starts.
Weir will also saddle Killarney Kid, who last preparation twice beat Almandin before the gelding hit top form with three successive wins – the Harry White, Bart Cummings and Melbourne Cup.
Williams will start fellow import Hans Holbein on Saturday, but shelved plans to run Bondi Beach, Aloft, Kilimanjaro and Granddukeoftuscany at the Valley.
Williams said a decision on a Melbourne Cup start for both Almandin and Irish champion Order Of St George would depend on weights.
Nominations for several of the spring Group 1 features will be revealed next week ahead of the release of weights in September.
Almandin carried 52kg last year and is currently on the second line of TAB betting at $21 behind Admire Deus and Hartnell, who share favouritism at $15.
Ben Melham takes the ride on Saturday.
“It’s a privilege to ride the Cup winner first-up,” Melham said.
“I haven’t seen him at all (at trackwork) but I’m excited to ride him.
“It’s the right time of year to be riding for them.
“They are a very astute stable who have got a good bunch of quality horses heading to the main staying races.
“This time of year they’re all in preparation for Cups and I’m happy to be riding for them and appreciate the support I’ve been getting so far.”
Melham said he was unsure what to expect from Almandin fresh.
“It’s a little bit hard for me to say given I haven’t seen the horse this preparation,” Melham told racing.com.
“He’s obviously in a very astute stable, he’s drawn ideally (barrier five of 10) and he’s in very well at the weights.
“I’ll ride him how the stable wants me to ride him and he’s a quality horse who I am sure will run well.”