Cup hopeful plans big day

He can’t be trackside, but shopping trolley king will still be celebrating

SHOPPING trolley king Jason Woodbridge says 2020 “will probably be the year” he wins the Melbourne Cup because he can’t attend due to COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria.

Woodbridge has made his fortune running a collection and distribution of shopping trolleys service and the former greyhound trainer has a dream of owning a Melbourne Cup winner.

This year he is likely to have one or two runners in the Melbourne Cup.

The Kris Lees-trained Mustajeer is assured of his place in the 24-horse field while another Australian Bloodstock syndicated import Ashrun will be aiming to force his way into the race with victory in Saturday’s Group 3 Lexus Hotham Stakes (2500m).

Woodbridge also has an interest in another Hotham runner, Azuro for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace.

“It’s definitely been a different year but everyone is in the same boat,” Woodbridge said.

“It’s been frustrating because I’ve had horses running in good races and I haven’t been able to go and no matter how much you enjoy it, it’s not the same watching them at home.

“I’m gutted that we can’t go next week because I’ve been trying to win the Cup for a while so this will probably be the year that I do it.

“We obviously want Ashrun in the race (Melbourne Cup) and we’re throwing everything at it to get him there.

“Kerrin Mcevoy is on board on Saturday and if he can win then he’s going to be a genuine huge chance next Tuesday.

“I do think Mustajeer is not without a chance. His performance in the Caulfield Cup was excellent.

“Everywhere he went he got blocked for a run and there wasn’t too many that hit the line better than him.”

A regular at Flemington during Cup week, Woodbridge like all owners has had to make other arrangements in 2020 after the Victorian government announced Cup week will proceed without owners or the public on course.

This year Woodbridge has turned his Hope Island property on the Gold Coast into a Melbourne Cup party zone for a select few to share the day.

“The last two years we’ve flown down on the Monday morning the week before, stayed at a penthouse and then flown by helicopter to the track on Cup Day,” he said.

“This year we’ll be having a gathering at home for close friends.

“We’ll get the caterers to whack a few steaks and snags on the barbie and try to make it as special as we can with the limitations that are placed on us.”