The 2016 Melbourne Cup favourite, Hartnell, enjoyed a favourable draw on Saturday and will start next week’s $6.2m race from barrier 12, alongside fellow Godolphin hope Oceanograhper in 11.
Godolphin has five runners in this year’s race, when it will be looking to finally end a lengthy drought in the big race at Flemington – despite huge success elsewhere, the Melbourne Cup has remained elusive since Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s operation first entered a runner in 1998.
Oceanograhper’s price tumbled following his Lexus Stakes win on Saturday and could challenge Hartnell for the tag of outright favourite come 3pm on Tuesday.
Charlie Appleby, who trains Oceanographer and a third Godolphin entry, Qewy, said he was pleased with the “half decent draws”. Qewy was picked to run from barrier 15.
Oceanographer was beaten by Qewy in the Geelong Cup earlier this month and Appleby wondered why the latter was not more fancied by the bookmakers for the Melbourne Cup.
“I’m very surprised because I thought Qewy did as good a performance at Geelong and he’s had a nice break and looked great this morning … he’s very well-priced,” he said.
“Whatever they do from here is a bonus and they go into the race in real good order so I’m hopeful we’ll be in there with a shout.”
Beautiful Romance and Secret Number, both trained by Saeed Bin Suroor, complete Godolphin’s roster for the Cup. “The draw is fine for them as they can take up any position in the race,” Bin Suroor said.
Meanwhile, Jameka, the recent Caulfield Cup winner, drew gate three and is expected to challenge after being cleared on Saturday morning after a shoe issue encountered during trackwork.
“I’ve just been rapt with her preparation, she’s improved every start and I really do think she could [win it],” Jameka’s trainer Ciaron Maher said. “She’s in super order … and hopefully she shows the same turn of foot that she’s shown in the Caulfield Cup.”
