Holberg and Campanologist both make Melbourne Cup field
Godolphin continue the quest for a first victory in the Melbourne Cup with two runners lining up for the big race at Flemington on Tuesday.
Sheikh Mohammed has the Melbourne Cup alongside the Kentucky Derby on his list of must-win races and Godolphin have had three seconds in the race - Central Park (1999), Give The Slip (2001) and Crime Scene (2009) – and Holberg and Campanologist both have made the final field of 24 for this season’s renewal.
Frankie Dettori, who goes on a round-the-world trip in just seven days that will take him from Britain to Melbourne and then on to Churchill Downs in Kentucky for the Breeders’ Cup next Friday and Saturday, takes the ride on Holberg. He has been drawn in stall 10, while Campanologist will break from stall 19 and will be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy.
Holberg looked as though he might have been eliminated but more horses above him in the handicap for the two-mile Group One race dropped out at the final declaration stage than had been expected.
Saeed bin Suroor, who trains both horses, is happy with the condition and preparation of Holberg and Campanologist ahead of Australia’s most famous race. "There was a slight scare with Holberg who bruised a foot but he is much better today,” he said. "I am happy with his draw because it means Frankie can go wherever he wants in the race while 19 is fine for Campanologist.
"I am looking forward to seeing them both run well on Tuesday."
The third potential Godolphin challenger for the Emirates Melbourne Cup, Eastern Aria who is trained by Mark Johnston, did not make the cut.
Of the other European runners Americain, the French-trained winner of the Geelong Cup, drew stall 12, William Knight’s Goodwood Cup winner Illustrious Blue was allotted stall nine, Luca Cumani’s pair Bauer and Manighar are in two and 20 respectively and Profound Beauty will be trying to give Dermot Weld a third Cup win from 22.
Of the principal Australian runners So You Think who will be attempting a stunning treble, having already won the Cox Plate and Mackinnon Stakes in the last eight days, has been drawn favourably in stall three while defending champion Shocking had a stall position that many feel reflects his name in 24.
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