O’Brien lines up four runners for Flemington assault Russian to forge on to Cup
DANNY O’Brien is likely to have four Melbourne Cup runners with confirmation Russian Camelot will head to the race provided he recovers fully from a gruelling Cox Plate third.
“He (Russian Camelot) ran out of his skin and seems to have pulled up well,” O’Brien said.
“He had to be ridden aggressively because of the (outside) draw, but he went super.
“We‘ll see over the next 10 days, but at this stage you’ll see him at Flemington on Tuesday week.”
O’Brien will saddle Vow
And Declare with a jockey yet to be secured for the 2019 Cup winner.
Damien Oliver had first option but chose to stay with Russian Camelot.
O’Brien was delighted with VRC Oaks winner Miami Bound’s return to form with victory in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup.
“She’s pulled up super and will go to the Cup,” he said, confirming Daniel Moor’s appointment as the mare’s rider.
King Of Leogrance will be ridden by Damian Lane.
Mick Price was pleased with Oceanex’s Moonee Valley Gold Cup third.
“For her to run third, beat
en a short margin, was excellent,” he said.
“It’s a measure of timing. The soft track was helpful and the Melbourne Cup will be great for that mare.”
Racing Victoria has updated the fitness status of Nickajack Cave and Dashing Willoughby.
RV said Peter Moody’s stable had taken a CAT scan of Nickajack Cave and the horse “will now undergo (a) precautionary scintigraphy test”.
RV said the import would continue its Melbourne Cup preparation after galloping well at Pakenham on Saturday morning.
Andrew Balding’s Dashing Willoughby will also continue its preparation after a precautionary CAT scan following a distant last in the Caulfield Cup.
RV said the horse was “OK” to continue but would be monitored by stable staff and veterinarians.