Leading trainer Ciaron Maher is looking to continue his strong association with the Bendigo Cup as he aims to strengthen his hand heading into this year’s Melbourne Cup.
Speaking from The Valley on Saturday, Maher confirmed that JRC Cup third placegetter Middle Earth remains on target for the Melbourne Cup alongside Royal Supremacy. He added that stablemates Interpretation and Sayedaty Sadaty could still force their way into contention if one of them can take out Wednesday’s $500,000 Bendigo Cup (2400m).
Both Interpretation and Sayedaty Sadaty are sitting low on the ballot order ahead of Monday’s third declaration payment, but a Bendigo Cup victory would significantly enhance their chances of making the field. Even without a weight penalty, the $300,000 prizemoney on offer for the winner would push them close to a Melbourne Cup start.
Maher has successfully used the Bendigo Cup as a pathway to the Melbourne Cup in recent years. In 2022, High Emocean won the Bendigo Cup before finishing a gallant third at $41 in the Melbourne Cup. In 2023, Interpretation won the Bendigo Cup and went on to run sixth in the big race.
Although Maher’s stable didn’t feature in the finish of last year’s Bendigo Cup, it remains notable that the eventual Melbourne Cup winner Knight’s Choice finished fifth in that edition, underlining the race’s reputation as a genuine spring launchpad.
Punters keen to bet on the Bendigo Cup or upcoming Melbourne Cup can find the best markets and bookmaker offers at Australia’s leading betting sites.
