 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Andrew Balding, a trainer based in England, has cherished memories of Flemington, and he hopes that his up-and-coming stayer Scampi can lead him on a journey to Melbourne once again after the Ebor Handicap at York on Saturday.
In 2013, Balding achieved a career high when he brought Side Glance (GB) to Australia, which culminated in winning the Gr.1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m), now the Champions Stakes, after finishing just outside of the placings in the Gr.1 W.S. Cox Plate (2040m) a week earlier. Although Scampi is looking at distances well beyond those feature events, Balding believes that a victory in the Ebor over 2800-metres will strengthen the resolve to have a starter in the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) on 7th November.
The Ebor has been designated a 'golden ticket' event for the first time, with a rich history of Melbourne Cup raiders coming through the race.
“Side Glance’s win in Melbourne is still one of my favourites,” Balding said before saddling a subsequent winner at York on Yorkshire Oaks Day. “My mother bred him and he was a bit of a warhorse. It was a great race to win.”
Scampi, a 5YO gelding with Melbourne Cup aspirations, is nominated for the Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) after winning the Shergar Cup Challenge over 2400-metres at Ascot two weeks ago. Trainer Andrew Balding described Scampi as a hardy and improving stayer who needs to win in order to earn a trip to the Spring Carnival. Balding hopes the Ebor will be a good trial for the Melbourne Cup and that Scampi will take the opportunity to prove himself over a longer distance. The favourite in the race has been running on different conditions, but Balding noted that luck is always a factor in a field like this. Scampi will be ridden by jockey Jason Hart, and for the thousands of owners in the 'microshare' syndicate racing, hopes are high. Balding is excited about the prospect of bringing Scampi to Melbourne and adding another memorable moment to his career.
Royalty Inspired: Desert Hero & Queen Elizabeth’s Breeding Legacy
Desert Hero, a 3YO colt trained by William Haggas, is being considered as a potential candidate for the Melbourne Cup after impressing at the St Leger at Doncaster. He won the King George V Stakes over 2400m against Melbourne Cup entry Valiant King, and if he performs well in the St Leger, it's very likely that he will participate in the Melbourne Cup as well.
The late Queen Elizabeth's exquisite breeding programme is behind Desert Hero's breeding, making him a prime example of the quality of the bloodstock. The new King and Queen have taken a keen interest in the bloodstock and are following it closely. In the last six years, two northern hemisphere 3YO colts have won the Melbourne Cup, and five have run in the St Leger that same year.
Desert Hero fits the trend, and a Melbourne Cup runner would be the jewel in the crown for the King's first full season as an owner.