New brigade to form Cup raid

WITH the exception of perennial visitor Red Cadeaux, Racing Victoria international recruiter Leigh Jordon says it will be a new group of raiders arriving here for spring.

Jordan was in Newmarket last week for the July Cup and has been visiting trainers in England, France and Ireland.

“This is an unusual year as Red Cadeaux is the only horse that travelled last year that could possibly return as all the other horses have either been moved on or been retired,” Jordon said.

“Therefore this year we have a blank canvas or you could describe it as a renaissance year.

“As a result there are a lot of trainers still to make a commitment to come.

“Trainers are well aware of the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups and the Cox Plate, but they also know they need the right horse.”

Jordon said Red Cadeaux’s trainer Ed Dunlop had advised that the stayer was on track for a fifth Melbourne Cup.

“Ed is also seriously considering bringing Trip To Paris as well,” he said.

Trip To Paris, who won the 4000m Ascot Gold Cup last month, will run in the 3200m Goodwood Cup on July 30.

Jordon said trainer Michael Bell was keen to bring Big Orange, long-shot winner of the Group 2 2400m Princess’s Of Wales Stakes at Newmarket last week, for the Melbourne Cup.

Sir Michael Stoute is looking at Melbourne with Snow Sky and Telescope but it depends on how they run in the 2400m King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot tomorrow week.

Jordon said Godolphin was committed to coming to Melbourne but had not selected any runners yet.

He said the picture would become clearer after races such as the King George VI, Goodwood Cup and Lonsdale Cup and Ebor Handicap at York next month.

The Peter Chapple-Hyam trained Arod, winner of the Group 2 Summer Mile at Ascot last weekend, is to be set for the Cox Plate.