The world’s largest racing stable, Godolphin, are planning to send a team to the 150th Melbourne Cup.
Speaking to Just Horse Racing yesterday, Godolphin’s racing manager Simon Crisford said that they will spend the next few days examining the weights before coming to a decision.
“It all depends what the likely cut-off is at the weights to secure a run,” he said.
Crisford confirmed that last year’s English St Leger winner Mastery and the Mahmood al Zarooni-trained Claremont are highly unlikely to come to Australia.
Mastery was the equal top weighted Godolphin horse on 57.5kg, along with Cavalryman.
Cavalryman, third in last year’s Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe behind Sea the Stars, is believed to be heading to the Arc once again.
However, he would be guaranteed a run in Melbourne.
Other Godolphin horses who would more than likely make the final field based on weights include Group 1 winner Campanologist (56kg), Holberg (53.5kg) and possibly Once More Dubai (51.5kg).
First declarations are taken at noon next Tuesday, after which more will be known about Godolphin’s intentions.
Godolphin has finished 2nd in the Melbourne Cup three times – with Central Park in 1999, Give the Slip in 2001 and Crime Scene in 2009.
Beekeeper also finished 3rd for the stable in the 2002 Melbourne Cup, behind Media Puzzle.
Written by Andrew Hawkins
