Forget the horse. The story, if Cavalryman were to win, would not have anything to do with the horse. No, the story would be Frankie Dettori and the fact he has finally won the Melbourne Cup at his final ride as Godolphin’s stable jockey. That’s of incredible significance – Frankie Dettori and Godolphin are synonymous with one another, and the Melbourne Cup has been a common goal for fifteen years without success.
Perhaps Cavalryman may end their partnership on a high? To be honest, as someone who’s followed international form, I’d dismissed Cavalryman initially. But the more I’ve looked at him, I have warmed to him more and more. On the whole we’ve seen the best of Cavalryman in France. I think that’s key – French racing is very similar to Australian racing, as has been seen by the incredible record of French horses in Australia. He emerged as a three year old in 2009, winning the Grand Prix de Paris beating some of the best horses of his generation. He went to the world’s most prestigious race, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, later that year, finishing third to a champion in Sea The Stars.
He then joined Saeed bin Suroor, and his form tapered badly – he wasn’t horrible, but he wasn’t the same horse. However, he was racing some of the best 2400m horses in the world. The last year and a half, he’s been tried as a stayer and done quite well. He won for the first time in three years in May, and in July he beat subsequent Cesarewitch winner Aaim to Prosper by almost five lengths. He’ll be better if it is a firm track, but I think he could be a smokey chance. He’s definitely flying under the radar. I’ll be including him.
$1400 IN FREE BETS on CAVALRYMAN
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Breeding: Halling x Silversword 
Bred in: United Kingdom
Nationality: United Kingdom/United Arab Emirates
Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor
Jockey: Frankie Dettori
Weight: 54kg
Career Stats: 27:6-4-3
Last 5 Starts: 71142
Biggest Win: Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris (2400m), Longchamp (France), 14/7/2009
Age: 7
Sportsbet Fixed Odds (as at 7pm, Sunday November 4): $34
