Craig Williams has Melbourne Cup faith in local hope

Jockey Craig Williams is confident Australian-bred and trained Vow And Declare has the right credentials to fight off a strong international contingent in the Melbourne Cup.

The Cup is the missing link in Williams quest for the ‘Grand Slam’ consisting of Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup, the Caulfield Cup, the Cox Plate and Golden Slipper.

Williams was close to winning the three major Melbourne races in 2011 after claiming the Caulfield Cup on Dunaden and Cox Plate on Pinker Pinker.

He failed in his bid to have a suspension overturned with the winning ride on Dunaden going to Japanese-based Frenchman Christophe Lemaire.

Williams is bullish about Vow And Declare’s hopes on Tuesday.

“I wouldn’t say he’s my best chance,” Williams said.

“Dunaden was my best chance but I was suspended and I’ve had nice horses before and since.

“But he’s a great chance and I’m looking forward to it.”

Williams will be having his 16th Cup ride with his best result third on Mount Athos in 2013.

Vow And Declare has drawn barrier 21 on Tuesday and after studying the form Williams is buoyed by the fact it looks an open race.

After partnering Vow And Declare early in his career, Williams was back aboard the Danny O’Brien-trained gelding in the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 19.

Vow And Declare’s second to Mer De Glace gave Williams the confidence Vow And Declare will run out the 3200m on Tuesday.

“I’ve done all the form and I’m happy,” Williams said.

“I’m happy with the horse and we’ve just got to see how these international horses compete for the first time.

“I worked him at Flemington last week, the only time I’ve been on him since the Caulfield Cup, and he was good.

“I’m the race jockey. Danny knows what he’s doing, and I’ll stick to what I do.”

CRAIG WILLIAMS CUP RECORD:

2000 Citra’s Prince 12th

2001 Mr Prudent 11th

2002 Requiem 22nd

2005 Kamsky 16th

2006 Mandela 9th

2007 Scenic Shot 16th