2016 Melbourne Cup Form: Heartbreak City Primed for Success

Trainer Tony Martin believes that classy stayer Heartbreak City will be perfectly-suited to the conditions at Flemington on Tuesday, when he lines up for the 2016 Melbourne Cup (3200m).

Hong Kong-based hoop Joao Moreira will ride Heartbreak City in the 2016 Melbourne Cup. Photo: Adrienne Bicknell

Hong Kong-based hoop Joao Moreira will ride Heartbreak City in the 2016 Melbourne Cup. Photo: Adrienne Bicknell

Heartbreak City is yet to make an appearance on an Australian racing track competitively, but the six-year-old has undoubtedly returned to racing in career-best form this year and will be seeking his fourth-consecutive win in Race 7 on Tuesday.

Conceding that it would have been more ideal to have drawn closer to the centre of the twenty-four horse Melbourne Cup field than in barrier 23, Martin is thrilled with his runner ahead of the world’s richest two-mile race.

“It’s great to be here and have the chance to come,” Martin said.

“It’s a race that I’ve been watching for years and this year he won over a mile and two on soft ground, but he’s a good actioned horse and he’ll enjoy the ground here.

“We started thinking about it then and unfortunately we went to Chester and things didn’t work out, but we went back to the Ebor and the plan was back again.

“He’s very versatile and has plenty of speed, the speed of a miler and his stamina I’m not sure if his rating is a 110 or a 120, but if he’s a 120 we’ve got a good shot.”

Martin had his first taste of Australian racing at Derby Day on Saturday and is excited to have a runner in the Melbourne Cup field.

“Ascot at home was always the pinnacle for us, but this is something else. We’ve only been here for Derby Day but I can say it’s the best day’s racing I’ve been to without a runner,” he said.

Heartbreak City was rated virtually no chance of success in the Cork Handicap (2057m) first-up this year on March 26th, but produced a smart turn of foot in the final straight to win the race by an incredible twelve lengths.

Failing to fire in the Chester Cup (3755m) and beating only one runner home, the Lando gelding has since posted wins in each of the Tipperary Races Maiden Hurdle (3200m), Guineas Handicap Hurdle (3236m) and the famed Ebor Heritage Handicap (2816m); the most recent by more than four lengths.

Heartbreak City is currently available at 2016 Melbourne Cup odds of $15 with Ladbrokes Australia.

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.