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| Staff Writer |
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Jan Brueghel, the unbeaten St Leger winner, is leading the international charge as 55 horses remain in contention for the US$8.56 million Gr.1 Lexus Melbourne Cup at Flemington on Tuesday, November 5th. The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt arrived in Australia on Saturday evening, aiming to become the first unbeaten horse to win the prestigious race since 1883.
The Irish maestro Aidan O'Brien is sending his first runner to the Melbourne Cup since Tiger Moth's second-place finish in 2020. O'Brien's self-imposed absence, prompted by stringent veterinary checks introduced after the tragic loss of his 2019 Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck, has now been lifted.
Stable representative Kieran Murphy reported, "He travelled over great, absolutely no problems. He exercised on the track yesterday morning, and again this morning, (he's) eating, drinking, couldn't be happier."
Murphy added, "The way he won the Leger at Doncaster last time, he seemed to get the trip very well, and we'd be hoping he can go that bit further, the extra two furlongs (400m). Aidan feels that he's an improving horse."
Joining Jan Brueghel on the international front are Irish duo Vauban and Absurde, both returning for their second attempt at the Melbourne Cup. Trained by Willie Mullins, the pair will be ridden by world-class jockeys William Buick and Kerrin McEvoy respectively, with McEvoy eyeing his fourth Melbourne Cup victory.
Champion trainer Chris Waller leads the home defence with 13 horses, including Via Sistina, who impressed with a victory in the Group One TAB Turnbull Stakes at Flemington. Waller's new import Kinesiology is also on the verge of securing a start in the race.
This weekend's Group One Caulfield Cup offers a golden ticket to the Melbourne Cup, with 18 horses still in contention for both races. The Group One Cox Plate at Moonee Valley next weekend provides the final opportunity for horses to win their way into the race.
The Melbourne Cup boasts a rich history of champions, with recent years showcasing some remarkable performances. Without A Fight etched his name in the annals of racing history in 2023 by completing the coveted Caulfield Cup-Melbourne Cup double, a feat that underscores the exceptional quality required to triumph in Australia's most famous race. The previous year saw Gold Trip go one better than his 2021 runner-up finish, claiming victory in 2022 and demonstrating the fine margins that often separate glory from heartbreak in this gruelling test of stamina. In 2021, Verry Elleegant wrote her own chapter in the Cup's storied history, becoming the first mare to secure victory since the legendary Makybe Diva completed her historic hat-trick between 2003 and 2005. These recent champions have added their names to a long list of illustrious winners, each victory serving as a testament to the enduring allure and prestige of the Melbourne Cup.
World-champion jockey Ryan Moore will partner Jan Brueghel, while leading Australian jockey Jamie Kah has opted to ride Point King with 50.5kg in her third Melbourne Cup appearance.
VRC Executive General Manager Racing Leigh Jordon said, "Today marks three weeks from the running of the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup with 55 horses still in the running for their chance to be a part of history. The final field is starting to become clearer with some of the world's best jockeys locking in their rides in the race that stops a nation®."
The 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival kicks off with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day on Saturday, November 2nd, followed by the main event on Tuesday, November 5th. The festival continues with Crown Oaks Day on Thursday, November 7th, and concludes with TAB Champions Stakes Day on Saturday, November 9th.