Jockey Dwayne Dunn says he wants to avoid Drunken Sailor socialising with stablemate Manighar in the Melbourne Cup.
Dunn said it became apparent to him last start in the Caulfield Cup that Drunken Sailor was looking out for Manighar and was reluctant to race past him.
“He got a dream run up behind Manighar in the Caulfield Cup and he does all his trackwork with him, following him every morning,” Dunn said.
“I think he had that in his mind going to the line.”
Manighar finished fourth in the Caulfield Cup, 1-1/4 lengths ahead of seventh-placed Drunken Sailor.
“I don’t want to be anywhere near him (Manighar) in the Cup,” Dunn said.
“Getting back to the big track at Flemington he will be a long way away from where Manighar is in the run and I expect him to run really, really well.”
He said unlike a lot of European horses, Drunken Sailor relished the rough and tumble that comes with racing in big fields and he should be suited in the Melbourne Cup.
“He likes to get into the ruck and the tougher the race the better for him,” Dunn said.
“Where he has drawn, barrier eight, he will be right in the thick of it, right in the middle of the ruck going down the straight the first time and hopefully it pans out nicely for him.”
Drunken Sailor is $51 while Damien Oliver rides Manighar who is $41.
AAP TURF
