Prince Of Arran too strong in Geelong Cup
English-trained Prince Of Arran has won the Geelong Cup, a major lead-up race to the Melbourne Cup.
Tash Eaton, the travelling assistant for English trainer Charlie Fellowes, has implored the Racing Victoria handicapper to penalise Prince Of Arran for the Melbourne Cup after a fighting victory in the Geelong Cup.
Last year’s Melbourne Cup third placegetter, Prince Of Arran is 36th in the order of entry into this year’s race, but can be re-handicapped for Wednesday’s win in the $400,000 feature.
RV’s Greg Carpenter will announce any penalty for Prince Of Arran on Thursday while the stayer shortened from $26 to $18 for the Melbourne Cup.
Ridden by Michael Walker, Prince Of Arran was sent off the $4.20 favourite before scoring a long head win from True Self ($4.60) with Haky ($26) 1-1/2 lengths away third.
Prince Of Arran will attempt to follow Media Puzzle (2002), Americain (2010) and Dunaden (2011) as Geelong Cup winners to claim the Melbourne Cup.
“Come on Greg, be nice,” Eaton said.
“Arran, he’s a legend and deserves this so much.
“He’ll get an extra load of carrots tonight. He’s so spoilt, but he deserves it.”
Walker partnered Prince Of Arran in last year’s Melbourne Cup and says the stayer is a bigger and stronger version than the horse than 12 months ago.
Prince Of Arran has now had five runs in Melbourne, registering two wins and three minor placings.
Walker said Prince Of Arran had to do it the tough way jumping from the outside gate in the 11-horse field.
“I’m in the gates thinking this was going to be a disaster because he doesn’t usually jump that good,” Walker said.
“Twice now he’s jumped well, the Melbourne Cup and today.
“I got there so easy, but I did it so tough, doing all the donkey work, taking the field up to the leader.
“He’s got a heart bigger than anyone on this course today.”
Australian syndicator OTI Racing filled the minor placings with True Self and Haky.
OTI Racing’s Terry Henderson said discussions would take place with trainer Willie Mullins whether True Self proceeds to the Melbourne Cup or runs in the Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington four days later.
Haky will attempt to win a Melbourne Cup berth via the Hotham Stakes on November 2.