The Brian Meehan stable has unsurprisingly confirmed that last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Dangerous Midge will attempt to defend his title and will not come to Melbourne this spring.
Sam Sangster, grandson of late leviathan owner/breeder Robert and a Meehan stable representative, told Just Horse Racing the the Melbourne Cup would not be the target for the Group 1 winner.
“We will in fact be aiming Dangerous Midge for the Breeders’ Cup Turf,” Sangster said.
He was $41 with Centrebet this morning.
His withdrawal follows a number of developments for international horses targeting the race overnight.
A half share in Jukebox Jury, who is at the top of the initial order of entry, has been purchased by Americain’s owners, Colleen and Kevin Bamford and Gerry Ryan.
They will race the Irish St Leger co-winner in partnership with Alan Spence, considered one of England’s shrewdest owners.
Furthermore, last start September Stakes winner Modun has been purchased by Godolphin and will come to Australia.
He becomes Godolphin’s third entry, with the world’s largest racing operation also having Lost in the Moment and Cavalryman among entries.
The last opportunity for horses to enter quarantine is just under two weeks away.
