Unable to match the late pace when a disappointing fifteenth in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) first-up on October 18th, owners Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock are confident Seismos’s experience and proven ability over the distance will play to his advantage in the 2014 Melbourne Cup.
Seismos will leave from barrier 1 in the 2014 Melbourne Cup. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Allocated barrier 1 for the Caulfield Cup, Seismos jumped reasonably well and received an acceptable run in transit, but was caught on the barrier and blocked for a run in the final straight, owing to the forgettable result.
Confident trainer Marco Botti and confirmed jockey Craig Newitt will muster a race-winning plan, Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock spokesman Darren Dance is confident the Dalahkani gelding is capable of becoming the first horse since Kingston Rule in 1990 to win from the rails draw.
“Horse seven, barrier 1 I think I’ve been here before at Caulfield. They tell me Kingston Rule was the last horse to win from barrier 1 … but our horse is really fit and well and I guess 1 is not ideal for him but I’d rather have 1 than 24,” Dance said.
“I’m just hopeful someone charges and we can get on the back of it, I’m sure Marco and Craig will work out a really good plan.
“At Flemington it’s a fair run to the first bend, unlike Caulfield so just going there with a fit, happy horse guaranteed to run two mile, a lot of them probably won’t so we won’t have to do any work in the first 800.”
Drawing some positives from his Caulfield Cup performance, Dance said the decision to sport winkers last time out will not be replicated in the Melbourne Cup 2014.
“Pulled up good, put on weight, Marco had a look at him this morning when he arrived from England and he’s really, really pleased with the horse – temperament-wise he’s really good.
“We’ve taken the winkers off because he did over-race a little bit in them so hopefully that will just settle him nicely and we’ll get a really good run for out money.”
Performing well in staying events all over the world throughout his 25 start career, Seismos won a minor over 2300m in Germany first-up this year, and while only managing tenth in the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup (3200m), quickly found form in finishing a credible sixth in the Group 3 Henry VII Stakes (3290m), fourth in the Group 2 Prix Maurice De Nieuil (2800m) and winning the Group 3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes (2670m) in the lead-up to the Caulfield Cup.
Required to carry 56kgs, Seismos is currently available at Melbourne Cup 2014 odds of $41 for success at Ladbrokes Australia, having drifted from a quote of $21.
