The connections of Cox Plate runner-up Buckaroo have made the decision that their star stayer will take his place in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup field.
Connects have opted to run the horse in the $10m race with Champion jockey Craig Williams to take the ride.
Williams, who famously won the 2019 Melbourne Cup on Vow And Declare, lost his intended Cup mount when favourite Sir Delius was ruled out on veterinary grounds. Speaking on SEN’s Giddy Up program on Tuesday, he revealed he had been actively chasing a replacement ride since.
“I chased the French horse (Presage Nocturne) after the Caulfield Cup but they’re keeping the same jockey on (Stephane Pasquier),” Williams said.
“I chased the English horse Meydaan because I thought Flemington might suit.
“I thought Ozzie Kheir’s other horse that Jye McNeil was successful on (in The Bart Cummings), Valiant King, was good.”
Buckaroo, trained by Chris Waller, produced a career-best performance when narrowly beaten in the Cox Plate by Champion mare Via Sistina with the WFA race being a good form race heading into the Melbourne Cup in recent years.
Buckaroo is currently a $10 chance with online betting sites.
For those looking to compare Cup markets, you can view and assess bookmakers at Australian betting sites.
