A perfect start with Cape Of Good Hope
DAVID and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig enjoyed the perfect start with the former Aidan O’Brientrained Cape Of Good Hope in the Ladbrokes Stakes at Caulfield last Saturday but there is another Ballydoyle recruit who could hit the headlines during the Spring Carnival.
In the aftermath of Saturday’s Group 1 success, Hayes snr spoke openly about the fine pedigree of Cape Of Good Hope and plans to head for the Cox Plate, praising stable stalwart Gary Fennessy for his good work in preparing the three-year-old during his quarantine period in Newmarket.
However, Hayes, with a glint in his eye, told the press not to forget about Constantinople, who left no doubt in the trainer’s mind that he can be competitive in the Lexus Melbourne Cup after an impressive piece of work last week.
Hayes said: “We’ll get to know Constantinople in the Caulfield Cup and maybe try blinkers on him, then if that doesn’t work we can go back to the tried and tested way that Aidan [O’Brien] used in the Melbourne Cup.
“He’s a horse who has his quirks but is talented and worked very well last week.” Constantinople boasts strong form this season, including a Gallinule Stakes win at the Curragh and runner-up efforts in the King George V Stakes, Gordon Stakes and Great Voltigeur.
He is available at 12-1 to win the Caulfield Cup on Saturday and a general 14-1 with to land the Melbourne Cup on November 5. Don’t say you weren’t told!
David Menuisier saddled his first runner in Australia on the same card on Saturday and will return in two weeks' time to Moonee Valley, where Danceteria is set to contest the Ladbrokes Cox Plate.
A fear of flying is not a great trait for a trainer travelling back and forth to Britain and Australia, however, and Menuisier is a self-confessed “bad traveller”.
Menuisier said: “It’s been a great experience at Caulfield as everyone is welcoming and it’s a fantastic track.
“It’s really well maintained and I’m looking forward to being at Moonee Valley in two weeks, although I’m not looking forward to the flight as I’m a bad traveller.
“It’s a crazy long flight and I absolutely hate flying but I have to say my first flight over was quite good. Hopefully it will continue that way!”