Godolphin hoping to end Melbourne Cup drought
GODOLPHIN is a powerhouse in world thoroughbred racing but the global operation hasn’t been able to win a Melbourne Cup, that could all change this year with a multiple threats.
Godolphin could have up to five runners in the 2016 Melbourne Cup and at the top of the list is current $4.20 favourite Hartnell which recently finished second in the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.
European trainer Charlie Appleby has brought over a strong international contingent and assistant trainer, James Ferguson, hopes the drought will end this year.
“It’s the Melbourne Cup, it’s one of the most competitive races in the world,” Ferguson said. “Godolphin are heavily in it and desperately want to win it. I think there is confidence.
“I hope Hartnell goes for it and if we have a few, I know Saeed (bin Suroor) has got a few here. So we’re in with a good chance.
“I think the majority of horses are in good form and I think they could run well.”
Charlie Appleby’s best Melbourne Cup chance could come with Geelong Cup placegetter Oceanographer which is the current $3 favourite for the Lexus Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.
The five-year-old son of Sea The Stars ran on strongly in the Geelong Cup which suggested the rise to the 3200m for the Melbourne Cup will suit nicely. It’s a $17 chance at Sportsbet to win the feature on November 1 and punters have been confidently backed it throughout the week.
The winner of the Geelong Cup was stablemate Qewy which is still at value odds of $26 in the Melbourne Cup. It has often been criticised for being one-paced, but it has the will to win according to Ferguson.
“Full credit to the horse. He lacks that change of gears but he’s very genuine and just keeps picking up,” Ferguson said.
“He obviously stays further than that so the Cup’s the viable option now and he’s got a good each-way chance in it too.”