The hard work is done for Without A Fight ahead of the Melbourne Cup at Flemington for UK co-trainer Ed Crisford says it is an honour to be in Melbourne preparing Without A Fight for a tilt at the 2022 Melbourne Cup.
Crisford, who prepares the stayer with his father Simon, has been overseeing the preparation of the stayer for Tuesdayâs Flemington showpiece over 3200m.
All has gone smoothly for Without A Fight according to Crisford who had his final âbreeze upâ on Saturday and will have a light canter on Monday to wind-up the preparation.
Crisford admits the nerves are starting to build in anticipation of what may lay ahead, although he is not getting too far ahead of himself.
âThe Melbourne Cup is one of the great races in the calendar year,â Crisford said.
âTo just be able to bring a horse down here and being able to compete is a feat in itself.
âHeâs got to do deal with a lot of other good horses in the race. Youâre always nervous about a race like this. Itâs one of the best races in the world, but itâs out of our hands now.
âHeâs got one more, little easy canter tomorrow and then heads into the race on Tuesday and if we can run well, it would be a dream come true.â
Without A Fight, who will be ridden by 2022 British Champion Jockey William Buick, may not have fared well in the barrier draw, coming up with gate 18, but Crisford is not too concerned.
He pointed out that three of the past four winners had drawn 18, or wider.
âYou can do from there,â Crisford said.
âIf you have the horse underneath you and get a good trip, anything can happen.
âHeâs been training great into the race. He has not missed a beat. He looks great, his weight is great. Heâs been eating, heâs been drinking. Heâs as healthy as can be.
âI think he can run a big race.â