International raiders eye off Geelong Cup

Hope in the Group 1 Ladbrokes Classic (2000m) at Caulfield on October 12.

Sokolski said the run proved the veteran was peaking.

“He ran very well last start,” Sokolski said.

“I know it sounds greedy, and everyone is biased.

“But I legitimately believe all three deserve their chance in the race.”

Avilius will have to prove his fitness during a Flemington gallop today after blood was found in a nostril following trackwork at the weekend.

If James Cummings’ powerhouse fails to pass his test, some of the pressure on the MVRC committee will ease.

But the decision to contest the race with Mr Quickie means several intending runners could be sidelined, including Te Akau Shark and Gailo Chop.

In my mind, there shouldn’t be any doubt about Humidor getting a start. He’s run second, finishing only a neck behind Winx, and also a third in Cox Plates. He’s proven at the track

BRAE SOKOLSKI

FOUR internationals will target tomorrow’s $400,000 Group 3 Geelong Cup intent on following a trio of northern hemisphere stars to Melbourne Cup glory.

Prince Of Arran, Red Galileo, Haky and True Self could all charge into Melbourne Cup calculations with victory at Geelong, where six previous raiders have successfully launched spring campaigns.

Media Puzzle completed the Geelong-Melbourne Cup double in 2002, a feat matched by Americain in 2010 and Dunaden year.

In 2008, Baue was narrowly denied at Flemington by Viewed, while Qewy finished fourth in the 2016 Melbourne Cup after triumph at Geelong.

Gatewood, the 2012 Geelong winner, failed to the following make the Melbourne field that season.

TAB has installed last year’s Melbourne Cup third place-getter and Lexus winner Prince Of Arran $3.30 favourite, ahead of another Werribee-based raider, Red Galileo ($5.50), and Steel Prince ($6).

Cup