Williams soaks up Cup Magic
IAN WILLIAMS is savouring his “once-ina-lifetime” moment as Magic Circle leads the cast of the seven UK runners in tomorrow’s Lexus Melbourne Cup.
The Worcestershire trainer has targeted Magic Circle for the ‘race that stops a nation’ since blitzing his rivals by six lengths in the Chester Cup in May.
The six-year-old then secured his place with another impressive display in the Henry II Stakes at Sandown a fortnight later.
While Williams is aware the task the team face in the Flemington highlight (4.00am GMT) is a tough one, his stable star has last year’s winning jockey Corey Brown booked to ride.
“We’ve got a huge chance,” said Williams. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Everything has gone, to this point, touch wood, spot on with him.
“Corey was impressed by him and it always helps when the jockey likes the horse and they get on really well.
“It’s a huge ask and a very competitive race, but we’ve got a live ticket so that is exciting.
“We’ve got a nice string and here is a little National Hunt trainer who has a horse as short as 7-1 for the Melbourne Cup, the largest race in Australia.”
Bookmakers go even-money a Britishtrained horse will win the race.
“I just think it’s incredible and I have to pinch myself some mornings when I wake up,” said Williams. “It’s a dream come true. I’d like him to perform to that level and I’d like him to be really special.”