Werribee mob to run well in Melbourne Cup

Trainer Gai Waterhouse is expecting the Werribee Mob to run well in the Melbourne Cup.

Waterhouse and co-trainer Adrian Bott have Hoo Ya Mal in Tuesday’s 3200m contest at Flemington, one of four international contenders.

Cup favourite Deauville Legend runs for James Ferguson and Without A Fight, for Simon and Ed Crisford, represent the UK brigade while Camorra runs for Australia in the care of Ben and J D Hayes.

“All their horses have done very well in the time I’ve seen them, and all the boys are very happy with them,” Waterhouse said.

“All horses have done a treat, they’ll all run well – the Werribee Mob will run well.”

Hoo Ya Mal came on Waterhouse’s radar when attending the Epsom Derby meeting in the UK in June.

It was on the suggestion of Waterhouse’s husband Robbie that she look at purchasing the colt after he had finished second in the Group 1 Classic.

“It’s the best form,” Waterhouse said of the Derby.

“We were at the Derby and Robbie said you should by that horse. He was already in Goffs Sale, and he said we should put an offer in.

“We put in a million-pound offer, a lazy million, but we already had a group of investors.

“We said we have seen the colt and so we offered a million pounds, but one of the part-owners, who remains in the horse, said no, we’ll wait for the sale.

“It’s turned out well and we have the horse in the Melbourne Cup.”

Waterhouse won the Cup with Fiorente in 2013 after that horse had finished second the previous year.

She said horses invariably improve the second time they contest the great race.

“But I won’t be waiting for next year,” Waterhouse said of Hoo Ya Mal.

“I’m going all guns blazing this year. I feel really pumped about this.”

Waterhouse and Bott also have Knight’s Order running who must overcome the widest draw in the 24-horse field.

“I don’t worry about barriers. He’s got it, live with it,” Waterhouse said.

“He’s a go forward horse. That’s his ace card, his strength.”