O’Brien’s stars eye Melbourne Cup 2024

Racing Victoria’s Paul Bloodworth expects several of Aidan O’Brien’s stayers to target the Melbourne Cup. After meeting with O’Brien in Ireland, Bloodworth confirmed the trainer’s interest in Melbourne’s premier Group 1 races.

Kyprios, fresh off a sixth G1 win at Goodwood, is unlikely to travel due to his high rating and expected topweight. “He’d be topweight in a Melbourne Cup with close to 60kg,” said Bloodworth.

Tower Of London, who finished second in the G2 Curragh Cup, is rated $15 with betting apps for the Cup but is not a certain traveller. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s an entry for the Melbourne Cup this year,” Bloodworth noted.

Grosvenor Square, also second in the Curragh Cup, and Jan Brueghel, a promising three-year-old, are expected among the entries.

O’Brien’s Diego Velasquez is eyeing the Cox Plate, currently at $15 in bookmakers markets after winning the Meld Stakes. “He’d add a real x-factor to the race,” Bloodworth said.

Bloodworth is optimistic about the participation of O’Brien’s horses, adding excitement to Melbourne’s Spring Carnival.