Securing commendable results on tracks of all integrities in all corners of the globe over his 25 start career so far, trainer Marco Botti is thrilled with the 2014 Melbourne Cup form of Seismos ahead of Tuesday’s Race That Stops a Nation.
Trainer Marco Botti is confident Seismos is a leading chance for success in the 2014 Melbourne Cup. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Winning a minor over 2300m in Germany first-up on February 23rd, Seismos finished off the pace in tenth in the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup (3200m) on March 29th before placing a credible sixth in the Group 3 Henry II Stakes (3290m) in Britain and fourth in the Group 2 Prix Nieuil (2800m) in France on July 13th.
Comfortably winning the Group 3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes (2670m) on August 16th, the Dalakhani gelding was unable to match the late pace of Melbourne Cup favourite Admire Rakti in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) last time out, finishing 15th.
Revealing his was not confident of a successful trip for the six-year-old on the narrow Caulfield track, Botti is confident the Geoffrey Freer Stakes victory over a talented field including the likes of Red Cadeaux is the most relevant Melbourne Cup form indicator for his classy stayer.
“I never actually thought coming here that he was going to be a Caulfield Cup horse,” Botti told Racing Victoria.
“I didn’t think he was going to be a chance in that race because the track was too tight for him and he takes his time to really get going.
“I thought he was impressive in the Geoffrey Freer, he took a while to get going and then he really battled on to the line.
“I’m sure the Melbourne Cup trip will suit him much better.”
Allocated the rails draw for the Flemington feature, Botti conceded a touch of rain would strengthen Seismos’s chances of success in the Melbourne Cup but is confident his proven ability over the distances will be priceless.
“Being drawn in one I suppose is better than being drawn the outside because he’s not the quickest horse from the stalls but at the same time he needs to be ridden up on the pace,” Botti added.
“He’s very genuine and he tries his best all the time. The ground could be a touch too quick for him so a little bit of rain would be welcome but he is in good form, I’m very happy with the horse and he should run a good race.”
Charged with carry 56kgs and confirmed to be partnered by jockey Craig Newitt, Seismos will line-up as one of 23 stayers confirmed in the 2014 Melbourne Cup final field following Sea Moon’s scratching on Monday morning.
Yet to receive much attention from punters, Seismos has drifted to particularly generous Melbourne Cup odds of $71 for success at Ladbrokes Australia.
