Cup was off but could be on again for SA warrior.
South Australian pin-up stayer, The Map, will make an unlikely bid for this year’s Melbourne Cup, trainer Dan Clarken has confirmed.
The multiple Stakes winner was all but retired earlier this year after an aborted autumn campaign but returned to work after failing to meet her reserve when offered as a broodmare prospect at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale in Sydney.
The daughter of Alpine Eagle had a quiet 1000m trial on her home track at Murray Bridge last Monday and Clarken said he has been happy with her progress in recent weeks.
While the 2025 Melbourne Cup, for which The Map is rated $101, is the ultimate target this spring, Clarken said there are several other attractive staying features that are on the radar if the mare doesn’t make it to Flemington.
“She spelled really well and she’s probably twice as big as we’ve ever seen her so it may take a little bit of time to get it off her,” Clarken said.
“There’s a big whiteboard at home with races mapped out all over the thing but the reality is that there are heaps of options for her.
“You’d love to be able to get her back to a Melbourne Cup.
“Whether it happens is a different story but we’re certainly going to give her the option to do it but it’ a long spring and there are plenty of nice races for her.”
Emily Finnegan rode The Map in Monday’s trial, in which the mare stepped slowly and settled at the rear of the field.
She closed off nicely under light riding to finish five lengths adrift of Rubamos.
Despite the hiccup in the barriers, Clarken said he was pleased with the hitout.
“It was her first bit of work (for the preparation) and she was good, although she was up to her same old antics and was a little bit slow into stride.
“She worked to the line well without being knocked around.
“She’s pretty well where I want her at this stage.”
