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.