Irish Melbourne Cup Assault Going To Plan
Story By Alex Steedman
Monday, 13 October 2008:  | | Honolulu |
The three Aidan O'Brien trained gallopers, Septimus, Honolulu and Alessandro Volta arrived in Australia on Saturday with stable representative Andrew Murphy stating all had travelled well prior to their assault on the Melbourne Cup.
“Very pleased,” Murphy said. “Septimus only lost one kilo, Honolulu lost two and Alessandro Volta lost three so we are very, very pleased. We just keep them fit while they are travelling and they've taken it very well.”
The three stablemates were walked around the Sandown quarantine centre today and will get their first look at the track tomorrow morning.
“The plan is they will be ridden in the morning,” Murphy said. “They'll do a walk, a trot and then a slight canter.”
“Then on Wednesday they'll more or less be back to what they would be doing at home.”
The trio is headlined by Septimus. Last month's Irish St Leger winner comes to Melbourne facing a tough ask – become the first galloper to win a Melbourne Cup carrying 58.5 kilos since the Bart Cummings trained Think Big accomplished the feat in 1975.
“I hope that we have the right horse,” Murphy said. “He seems to be specifically trained to come here. He was very impressive in the Irish Leger so we're just going to have to wait and see.”
Septimus brings an impressive career record to Australia although Murphy believes the likes of Honolulu and Alessandro Volta should not be forgotten.
Honolulu's staying staying ability has been proven with a last start win in the Doncaster Cup (3600m) on September 12 and the Queen Alexandria Stakes (4344m) at Ascot in July.
The Montjeu five-year-old will carry a far less imposing weight compared to his stablemate Septimus with 54.5kg.
“We've brought three chances,” Murphy said.
“Honolulu was very impressive in his last run, Alessandro Volta finished fifth in the English Leger.”
Dermot Weld trained Profound Beauty lost slightly more condition than the O'brien chargers and will commence lightwork midweek according to stable representative David Phillips.
“She's handled the trip very well for such an inexperience traveler,” Phillips said.
“She lost the average, about eight kilos, but she's already put on some, she's eating and drinking very well so far.”
Phillips is hopeful the mare can be the third Dermont Weld trained runner to win a Melbourne Cup, emulating the feats of Vintage Crop in 2002 and Vintage Crop in 1993.
“She's a fine big mare, good action, good attitude, she does everything right so we are hoping for the best.”
“She's a late developing type so there is more to come from here. Hopefully Australia will bring the best out of her like it did with Media Puzzle.”
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