Jo Gets Chance In Cup Field
Thursday, 16 October 2008:  | | Dolphin Jo and Clare Lindop win last weekend's Winning Edge Stakes |
The six-year-old has already run in two Melbourne Cups, having finished 15th in 2006 and a somewhat unlucky fifth last year.
Leading into those two races he failed to make the field for the Caulfield Cup but this year sneaks in with a light weight of just 53kg on some excellent recent form.
After getting out to a suitable distance two starts back in the Bart Cummings Stakes he was thwarted by a slow pace and finished fourth, but last start in a genuinely run Winning Edge Stakes he proved too strong over the final stages, scoring by a length.
“His form has been really good this campaign, despite only breaking through at his last run,” O'Sullivan said. “His Bart Cummings run was excellent because they were just hacking along and he really does need a genuine tempo.
“Last weekend was run at a good clip and although I was a bit nervous about him getting out on the bend once he did he found the line well.
“He's pulled up terrific and having made the Caulfield Cup this year we've decided to have a go.”
O'Sullivan believes the gelding is going better than ever before and has a number of factors in his favour this Saturday.
“He'll be better over the two miles and this will be his final run before the Melbourne Cup,” O'Sullivan said.
“But he's got a few things in his favour this weekend. He has a nice weight, has a very good record at the 2400m at Caulfield and has drawn okay in the middle.
“I believe he's going better than last year but the most important is that is should be a genuine staying test. If it is I think he's a good chance.”
Dolphin Jo drew barrier 12 and will be ridden by regular rider, SA's Clare Lindop.
He is at $41.00 for Saturday's feature race with Sportingbet and $31.00 for the Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 4.
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