GEORGE BOUGHEY: Breeders’ Cup & Melbourne Cup Dream

It’s a hugely exciting few days ahead for the yard, with two runners at the Breeders’ Cup in Keeneland this weekend before Hopewell Rock flies the flag for us in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup in Australia, writes GEORGE BOUGHEY.

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FRIDAY

LIBERTANGO – 18:55pm Keeneland

Libertango has travelled over super and we’re very happy with her. She’s drawn a nice gate and looks to have plenty in her favour.

This has been the plan for a long time, and I don’t think the trip poses any question for her. Flavien Prat takes the ride and, although he won’t get the chance to sit on her beforehand, Billy is here with us and will be able to give him a good insight into the filly.

She’s got a live favourite’s chance, and we’re really looking forward to seeing her take her chance.

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SATURDAY

TALAMON – 17:05pm Southwell

Talamon makes his handicap debut after running well at Kempton last time, when he bumped into a nice horse of John Gosden’s.

The mile looks perfect for him at the moment, and he’s nicely drawn in a smaller field, which should allow him to find a good position. His opening mark looks workable, although that could be said for a few of his rivals.

He’s a consistent performer who likes a flat track, and I’d be hopeful of another good run.

MCMURRAY – 18:15pm Southwell

McMurray makes his all-weather debut, and I think we can completely disregard his latest run at Ayr.

The ground was absolutely bottomless that day, and he went there on the back of four straight wins. I didn’t want to travel him all that way and not run him, but conditions were clearly against him.

He’s in good shape, rock-hard fit and has a better draw this time. I’d be hopeful of seeing a much-improved performance.

SURVIE – 21:36pm Keeneland

Survie has drawn a little wider than we’d have liked in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, but she’s a filly who likes to be held up, so it shouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience.

I’d imagine Flavien will ride her quietly towards the back, much as he did at Saratoga, and hopefully she’ll be able to work her way into the race.

The mile and a half is absolutely key to her, and a nice, even gallop would be ideal. She loves the style of racing out here, and I certainly think she’s got an each-way chance.

It’s an interesting renewal, with the likes of Diamond Necklace, Bay City Roller and Benvenuto Cellini all bringing strong form to the table, but I don’t think it’s the strongest renewal ever and I’m hopeful of a big run.

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TUESDAY

HOPEWELL ROCK – 04:00am Flemington

I’ll be heading straight to Australia after the Breeders’ Cup Turf on Saturday, travelling via Dallas and Brisbane before arriving in Melbourne for Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup.

It’s something we’ve wanted to do for a long time, but we’ve never quite had the right horse to take down there. Hopewell Rock looks to have a live each-way chance, and it’s hugely exciting to have a runner in one of the world’s most famous races.

It was touch and go whether he’d get into the race, so we’re delighted that his place in the field is now confirmed.

I think he’s got a massive degree of unexposure about his profile, which is exactly what you want for a big handicap like this. The two-mile trip doesn’t worry me at all. In fact, I almost think it’s a bonus, as I expect him to stay very well.

He’s also got a lovely racing weight of just 8st 5lb, which is considerably less than he’s ever carried before. He’s seemingly got in off a nice weight, and it’ll be over to Zac Lloyd to get the best out of him.

Having spent some of my early days in racing in Australia, it’ll be particularly special to head back with a genuine contender for the Melbourne Cup.

Hopefully he can run a big race and do us proud.

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