The well supported Fawkner failed to run out the 3200m of the Group 1 $6m Emirates Melbourne Cup at Flemington today.
German galloper Protectionist clears out to score a runaway win in the Melbourne Cup at Flemington. Photo by Sarah Ebbett.
The Robert Hickmott trained Fawkner was solid throughout betting and started at $8.50 but after racing in the first half a dozen in the field, faded in the straight to finish tenth, almost thirteen lengths behind the winner, the German trained Protectionist.
The pre-race plan was for jockey Nick Hall to have Fawkner positioned in the first half of the field but Hall admitted that the early pressure of the Melbourne Cup took its toll for the back end of the race.
“Ridden that way there was probably a bit too much pressure and he struggled at the two miles,” Hall said after the race.
Fawkner was having his second attempt at winning the Melbourne Cup and in contrast he raced near the tail of the field last year before making up some ground to finish sixth to Fiorente.
Jockey Kerrin McEvoy also reported that second favourite Lucia Valentina ($7) failed to run out the distance to finish thirteenth, fifteen and a half lengths from the winner.
“Got held up between the 600m and the 400m but when she got some room I think she might have been feeling the ground and was a little suspect at the trip,” McEvoy said.
Hong Kong based jockey Joao Moreira was proud of the effort of Signoff ($8) who challenged for the lead at the 300m mark but faded to finish fourth, beaten six lengths.
“Fantastic run, beautiful run during race, got bump before turning even though got the run and was very proud of him,” Moreira said.
Red Cadeaux ($21) cemented his place as a Melbourne Cup favourite after recording his third second placing in the famous two miler.
Jockey Gerald Mosse was very proud of Red Cadeaux’s effort today after the veteran stayer was runner up to Dunaden in 2011 and second again to Fiorente last year.
“He went a super race like he always does. Very big heart and he tried so hard all the way. Just found one too good for him again,” Mosse said.
