Cup winning combo favourite for another G1
The Melbourne Cup-winning combination of jockey Kerrin McEvoy and owner Lloyd Williams are favourite to also win the second richest race of this year’s Flemington carnival.
After riding Almandin to win Tuesday’s $6 million Melbourne Cup, McEvoy will ride the classy The United States in Saturday’s $2 million Emirates Stakes (2000m) at Flemington.
Like Almandin, The United States races in the colours of his part-owner Lloyd Williams and is trained by Robert Hickmott.
Both horses have many of the same people in their ownership.
Seven-year-old The United States, winner of the Group One Ranvet Stakes in the autumn, won the Group Two Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley last Saturday week.
He ran home strongly for fourth inSaturday’s $1 million Cantala Stakes at Flemington.
He is the $3.50 favourite for Saturday’s Emirates Stakes after a final field of 13 was declared on Wednesday.
Northern hemisphere-trained gallopers Vadamos and Scottish occupy the next two lines of betting at $4.60 and $4.80.
The Andre Fabre-trained Vadamos was fourth in the Cox Plate at his Australian debut while the Charlie Appleby-trained Scottish was second in the Caulfield Cup.