Wathnan Racing is preparing to have its first Australian runner, with Hopewell Rock being aimed at the $10 million Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 3.
The George Boughey-trained four-year-old is expected to enter quarantine at Newmarket in around two weeks as connections finalise plans for his trip to Melbourne.
Sydney-based jockey Zac Lloyd has emerged as a leading contender for the ride, with Wathnan’s retained jockey James Doyle unable to make Hopewell Rock’s expected Melbourne Cup weight.
Wathnan adviser Richard Brown said Lloyd’s time riding for Boughey in Britain earlier this year made the Australian-based jockey an obvious candidate.
“Zac Lloyd was riding for George here in the summer so we’re hoping we can get him for the ride but we’ll know more nearer the time,” Brown told the Racing Post.
Lloyd enjoyed a successful working holiday in Britain during June, riding seven winners from 35 mounts. His stint was highlighted by Moonfall’s victory in the Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot.
Hopewell Rock booked his place in Melbourne Cup calculations with a narrow second in the Ebor Handicap (2787m) at York, finishing just a head behind Daiquiri Bay.
That performance resulted in his British Horseracing Authority rating being increased by 4lb to 109.
Wathnan purchased Hopewell Rock privately earlier in the season and the gelding has continued to improve throughout his campaign.
After finishing sixth at Royal Ascot, he won the Summer Handicap (1m6f) at Glorious Goodwood before producing his close second in the Ebor.
“We were delighted with Hopewell Rock’s run in the Ebor. George and his team have been delighted with him since then and they say he really comes to himself in the autumn,” Brown said.
“The Melbourne Cup is an iconic global race and targeting races like this is what Wathnan is striving to do. It’s a huge challenge shipping to the other side of the world but it’s a hugely exciting one and we’re all looking forward to it.”
