Dunaden’s chances of defending Melbourne Cup title
All eyes are glued on Dunaden, whose biggest task of the season is to defend his title in the Melbourne Cup, for which he is now favourite in the Australian lists. He grabbed a close win in last year’s edition, when beating Red Cadeaux just by a nose.
Will he able to replicate what he did last season? The answer is yes, because the horse is in equally good shape at the moment. In the hands of Craig A. Williams, the M. Delzangles-trained secured a wonderful ½-length victory in the Group 1, BMW Caulfield
Cup earlier this month.
The 6-year-old started from wide draw, and held up in the last trio on inner. He did not lose determination, and switched out to improve a couple of furlongs before the wire. He stayed on down wide outside to lead inside the final 75 yards.
After getting his head in front, the big fellow avoided all mistakes, and eventually finished on top of the table. It was a welcome win for the Pearl Bloodstock Ltd-owned, who faced a few unlucky defeats early in the season.
"Wow - this is a remarkable horse. He's had a hard race here with a big weight so I hope he doesn't get too much weight for the Melbourne Cup. He's an amazing horse and we seem to have a great connection - he just lifts for me,” said Williams, who could
not partner Dunaden in last year's Melbourne Cup owing to suspension.
Bloodstock agent Geoffrey Faber spoke to AAP: "He's a racehorse not an airplane - he shouldn't get a penalty. Besides he didn't win by that far, did he?"
By ensuring a narrow win, Dunaden became the only third European-trained to win the £1.6 million contest, after Taufan's Melody (1998) and All The Good (2008). A penalty is likely, but still it is hard to underestimate his chances in the Melbourne Cup.
Bred by Comte E. Decazes, the son of Nicobar seems to have regained momentum following a wonderful strike, and can play a major role in the upcoming big meeting. According to our calculations, Dunaden’s chances of defending his title are as solid as rock.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not reflect Bettor.com’s editorial policy.
Tags: