Exciting French stayer to target the 2025 Melbourne Cup

French Group-winning stayer Presage Nocturne is being primed for a tilt at the 2025 Melbourne Cup, with trainer Alessandro Botti outlining an international campaign aimed at Australia’s greatest staying test.

The son of Wootton Bassett secured his place on the radar with victory in the Group 3 Prix De Barbeville in April, followed by a strong placing in the Group 1 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier. These performances have sparked Botti’s interest in chasing Melbourne Cup glory.

Botti told Paris Turf this week that Presage Nocturne will have one more start in France, likely in either the Prix Kergolay or the Grand Prix de Deauville in August, before heading to Newmarket to commence quarantine ahead of his Australian venture.

Both races have previously served as successful springboards for international Melbourne Cup winners, including Americain and Protectionist, further validating the route Botti has chosen.

Presage Nocturne hails from the penultimate French crop of Wootton Bassett before his transfer to Coolmore. His dam, Kyurem, is a half-sister to Simenon, who famously finished fourth in the 2013 Melbourne Cup for Irish trainer Willie Mullins.

Presage Nocturne’s progress toward Flemington will be closely monitored by punters, and those looking to place an early bet on the Melbourne Cup 2025 can explore top options through leading betting sites.