Arguably returning to racing in career-best form this year, talented international veteran Cavalryman has pleased head Godolphin trainer Saeed Bin Suroor since arriving in in Australia for the Race That Stops a Nation but is yet to firm from opening 2014 Melbourne Cup odds of $21.
Cavalryman is aiming to become the first Melbourne Cup winner in the famous Godolphin colours. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Claiming an impressive total of ten race wins and as many minor places from his 38 career starts so far, Cavalryman is no stranger to the Australian way of going having lined up, albeit and unsuccessful tilt, for the 2012 edition of the Melbourne Cup.
Winning each of the Group 2 Princess Of Wales’s Stakes (2414m) and Group 2 Goodwood Cup (3218m) and finished a credible fourth in the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup (3299m) through July and August, Bin Suroor is confident the Halling entire’s experience over the distance and ability to adapt to his racing surroundings will be key in delivering Godolphin an maiden victory in the Race That Stops a Nation.
“Cavalryman he won a Group 2 over a mile and a half at Newmarket, this year also the Goodwood Cup at two miles,” Bin Suroor said.
“I’m really happy with him, two miles will be no problem for him, he won over the same ground (distance) and everything so-far so good.
“He travelled well here, he’s doing really good work – he worked yesterday with a light piece of work, he’s doing really well.
“He’s different this year, he runs well when he’s fresh.
“I think with the age also, he’s an eight-year-old, he’s doing really well and he’s professional now – he handles travelling really good and races really nicely, always does it in right way.”
Finishing fourth in the Lonsdale Cup and second in the Listed Jockey Club Rose Bowl (3218m) leading into the 2012 Melbourne Cup, Cavalryman quickly found competitive form in his five race campaign through 2013; finishing third behind Jakkalberry in the Group 2 Dubai City Of Gold (2410m) in the Middle-East first-up before returning to the winner’s circle in the Group 3 Dubai Gold Cup (3200m) most notably.
Having won the Nad Al Sheba Trophy (2810m) and finished a close second in this year’s edition of the Dubai Gold Cup over a short preparation in March, Cavalryman remains available at generous 2014 Melbourne Cup odds of $21 for success with Ladbrokes Australia.
