Trainer says Cup distance no worry for Boom Time
RUNNING out a strong two miles should not be an issue for Caulfield Cup winner Boom Time, who has been given a 1kg penalty for the $ 6 million Melbourne Cup.
Last Saturday’s win guaranteed Boom Time a start and the six- year- old will now carry 53kg in the 3200m classic.
Trainer David Hayes said Boom Time, who has a history of tendon issues, came through the 2400m of the Caulfield Cup well but would be monitored closely before stepping up to the two miles.
But Hayes has no issues with the son of Flying Spur handling the extra distance.
“If you just watch the last 400m ( of the Caulfield Cup), which is always a great guide, I thought he was the strongest,” Hayes told RSN.
“Maybe Marmelo ran a better last furlong. But we’d hope he’s going to be there for a long time and give a kick with no weight.”
The 1kg penalty is the same given to previous Caulfield Cup winners Viewed ( 2009), Dunaden ( 2012) and Mongoli- an Khan ( 2015). “The 1kg penalty represents two lengths over the Melbourne Cup distance of 3200m,” Racing Victoria chief handicapper Greg Carpenter said.
“The Melbourne Cup provides a new challenge with a litany of possible rivals who did not run in the Caulfield Cup awaiting Boom Time at Flemington, such as defending champion Almandin, European challengers Tiberian, Red Cardinal, Rekindling, Max Dynamite ... and local stayers including Big Duke and Who Shot Thebarman.”
Boom Time is $ 26 in the market with last year’s winner Almandin and international raider Marmelo, who finished sixth in the Caulfield Cup, equal $ 6.50 favourites.
NR