Melbourne Cup 2025 hopeful Trav headed for Australia

Melbourne Cup hopeful Trav has secured his passage to Australia following a strong showing over 2100m at Ellerslie on Saturday.

The Bulls-based gelding, returning to the Auckland track for the first time since capturing the Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) in March, produced a run that echoed his staying qualities. Partnered again by Cup-winning rider Masa Hashizume, Trav settled near the tail before unleashing late to finish fourth, beaten just three-quarters of a length by Diamond Jak.

Trainer, co-breeder and co-owner Raymond Connors said the performance gave him confidence to continue with their Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) tilt. “We were happy enough with the way he went,” Connors said. “He seems to have come through it alright, so I think we will have to have a go now and carry on with the plan and see where we end up.”

The six-year-old son of Almanzor currently holds 53rd spot in the Melbourne Cup order of entry with 51kg and will now chase ballot exemption via key lead-ups. “We have pencilled in for him to fly over next week,” Connors confirmed. “We will start him in The Bart Cummings (2500m) at Flemington on October 4, see how he goes and make a decision after that. It is a big step up over there obviously.”

Trav could be joined by fellow New Zealand contenders Mark Twain and Mister Wolfgang, who are sitting just ahead of him in the ballot order, while La Crique is already guaranteed a Cup start with 54.5kg. If Trav impresses first-up in Australia, the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on October 22 looms as his next opportunity to lock in a Cup berth.

Racing fans can follow Trav’s path toward Cup week and explore wagering options on the spring features with leading betting sites.