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| Staff Writer |
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There is a possibility that the King and Queen might have a contender in this year's Lexus Melbourne Cup. Trainer William Haggas has disclosed that Desert Hero, a strong contender for the Betfred St Leger, will be entered for Australia's prestigious horserace.
Desert Hero has already achieved victories in the King George V Handicap and Gordon Stakes, establishing himself as a notable competitor for the upcoming Doncaster showpiece. With odds of 6-1, he aims to become the first Classic winner from the royal lineage since Dunfermline's remarkable triumph in the 1977 St Leger.
Surprisingly, there might be an even greater challenge awaiting the son of Sea The Stars.
Haggas, speaking to the Racing Post for a major interview in Sunday's edition, said, "I think Desert Hero is pretty good and he stays well, so we're going to put him in the Melbourne Cup. That could be different, couldn't it?
"Two northern hemisphere 3YO have won the Melbourne Cup and it's a genuine entry. He wouldn't run in a prep race in Australia and he would need to enter quarantine pretty quickly after the Leger. My team are great at quarantine, though, as we've done it a lot with Sydney."
Unstoppable Haggas Dominates Sydney's Carnival
Haggas alluded to his stable's impressive track record at Sydney's autumn carnival. Notably, Addeybb and Dubai Honour have emerged victorious in three out of the last four editions of the prestigious Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
He added, "Australia has become a big thing for us. I think about it all the time but then I'm always thinking where all the horses are going to run.
"Dubai Honour is already inked in to go back to Sydney next year but we need two or three horses to go with him. Before then I've put My Prospero in the Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup and he has passed the preliminary veterinary inspections from Racing Victoria."