The prospect of the $10 million Melbourne Cup hosting its first-ever American-trained runner is now a genuine possibility, with Parchment Party among six international contenders cleared for quarantine ahead of their trip to Melbourne in mid-October.
Parchment Party, winner of the G2 Belmont Gold Cup (3200m) in New York in June, passed Racing Victoria’s compulsory distal limb scans over the weekend. The clearance means the Bill Mott-trained stayer, to be ridden by champion jockey Johnny Velazquez, can now enter the two-week quarantine period in the UK as part of the lead-up to his Cup bid.
Having recently travelled from the US to Britain to meet Australia’s quarantine protocols, Parchment Party now carries the distinction of potentially becoming the first American-trained runner in the great race. Both his trainer and jockey are US Hall of Famers, adding further prestige to his Cup tilt.
Racing Victoria also confirmed that Joseph O’Brien’s Irish St Leger winner Al Riffa will enter quarantine alongside his mare Goodie Two Shoes, who has been consistent in recent starts, including a G3 Fairyhouse win and a placing in the G2 Lillie Langtry Stakes at Goodwood.
Other international hopefuls cleared include Chevalier Rose from Japan, Germany’s Flatten The Curve, and the Andrew Balding-trained Furthur from England. All six are scheduled to arrive in Melbourne across October 13 and 14 after completing their mandatory quarantine and final veterinary inspections.
The six horses cleared for quarantine are:
- Al Riffa (Joseph O’Brien, Ireland) – $6 equal favourite
- Goodie Two Shoes (Joseph O’Brien, Ireland) – $51
- Chevalier Rose (Hisashi Shimizu, Japan) – $51
- Flatten The Curve (Henke Grewe, Germany) – $51
- Furthur (Andrew Balding, England) – $34
- Parchment Party (Bill Mott, USA) – $34
With international intrigue building, this year’s Melbourne Cup is shaping up as one of the most historic editions yet. If you’re planning to bet on the Cup, make sure to compare the leading betting sites, review top bookmakers, and explore the best betting apps to find the best odds and promotions available.
