Imported stayer Puissance De Lune is a $6.50 favourite for the 2013 Melbourne Cup following his dead-heat win in Saturday’s Blamey Stakes.
In what was billed a cameo autumn appearance, the five-year-old confirmed his status as Australia’s most promising stayer and is now likely to be taken out of training and resume his Cup preparation after the winter.
Puissance De Lune dead heat in the Blamey Stakes - Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia
Should owner Gerry Ryan maintain that line it is probable that Puissance De Lune will be handicapped on 54kg for the Melbourne Cup, according to Racing Victoria’s chief handicapper Greg Carpenter.
“His effort today gives confirms what I had in mind after the spring,” Carpenter said.
“I’m comfortable with that assessment.”
While a one-run autumn campaign remains the preferred option, Ryan said he would examine all options, including a trip to Sydney for the Ranvet or the BMW, or both.
“It all depends on the weight he might get in the Cup,” Ryan said.
“We don’t want him to get any more weight, that’s the only consideration.”
Puissance De Lune dead-heated with Budriguez in the Blamey after being held up at a vital point in the straight.
