Buckaroo is set to take the next step toward a Melbourne Cup start, with owner Bruce Kheir confirming the classy import will be among the third acceptors for the $10 million race at Flemington.
Trainer Chris Waller had previously downplayed the likelihood of Buckaroo contesting another Cup earlier in the spring, but his recent form has prompted connections to reconsider. The seven-year-old ran a gallant second to Light Infantry Man in the Might And Power Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield before finishing a close runner-up to stablemate Via Sistina in last Saturday’s Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.
“I just thought that he’d run to the peak performance of his career on Saturday,” Kheir said. “I haven’t seen the ratings yet but he’s run to his peak and probably gone the best that he’s ever gone.
“He’s only been beaten by a champion mare, probably the horse of the year again. He’s only been beaten a nose so I thought you’ve got to give him his chance.”
Kheir confirmed that Waller has sent Buckaroo for the compulsory veterinary scans required by Racing Victoria as part of the acceptance process for the Melbourne Cup (3200m).
Should he pass those inspections, Buckaroo will look to stretch his brilliance beyond the middle-distance range and take his place in the field for Australia’s greatest staying test on November 4. For punters eyeing the race, check the latest Melbourne Cup odds at Australia’s top betting sites.
