Willie Mullins’ travelling foreman David Casey might not be a fan of barrier draws, but there were no complaints after Absurde came up with gate four for Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup.
The Irish stayer, who finished seventh in 2023 and fifth in 2024, returns for a third crack at the Cup and has come up with an ideal alley.
Absurde will reunite with Kerrin McEvoy, his rider from last year’s edition, and heads into Tuesday’s feature off a brave fifth in the Caulfield Cup.
“I won’t say the draw bothers me, but it’s one of those things you can’t control,” Casey said with a laugh.
“But I think we’re happy with four, it’s a good draw. It gives Kerrin a lot of options, and we’re really looking forward to Tuesday.
“Kerrin rode the horse last year as well, so he’s got plenty of experience with the horse and knows him well. He’s a top rider and we have great confidence in him.”
Casey, who knows Absurde intimately, said the eight-year-old son of Fastnet Rock has handled his third trip Down Under with ease.
“He’s taken all of the travel in his stride, he’s very comfortable where he is,” Casey said.
“He had a good run in the Caulfield Cup, and we’re really happy with how he’s been since then. It’s brought him on a little bit and we’re delighted.”
Post-barrier draw, Absurde is a $21 chance with mybet.