Melbourne Cup 2014: Varian Pleased with My Ambivalent

Suffering a stone bruise that ended her chances of a tilt at the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 18th, British trainer Roger Varian is confident classy mare My Ambivalent is in the right form to take out the Melbourne Cup 2014 first-up at Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday.

My Ambivalent will need to find an extra gear in the Melbourne Cup if to overcome the likes of favourite Admire Rakti (pictured). Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

My Ambivalent will need to find an extra gear in the Melbourne Cup if to overcome the likes of favourite Admire Rakti (pictured). Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

Finishing outside the places just once over four impressive starts in 2014 so-far, My Ambivalent more than stamped her claims for a trip to Australia when running a close third behind the likes of Gentildonna and Cirrus Des Aigles in the Group 1 Dubawi Sheema Classic (2410m) first-up, and has continued to impressive on her way to a credible fourth in the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes (2011m) last time out on June 29th; a race she won in 2013.

Confident the five-year-old has completely recovered from the minor ailment, Varian has been pleased with the condition of the Authorized mare since settling in to her temporary Australian home and is confident she will line up for the Melbourne Cup 2014 in peak order.

“I just arrived Thursday night and have had two mornings look at her now and she looks in good condition; she looks fit, well and healthy,” Varian said.

“She had a set-back that kept her out of the Caulfield Cup but she seems well over that now and she looks fit and ready to go on Tuesday.”

Allocated barrier 4 for the Melbourne Cup, Varian said he is confident the inside draw will allow regular jockey Andrea Atzeni to settle My Ambivalent in good running position from the get go.

“I think it’s probably better than being too wide. If we’re being fussy perhaps we’d be two or three or four spots higher but no four, we’ll take that and do our best with it,” Varian said.

Yet to saddle a runner in Australia’s landmark thoroughbred horse race, Varian is confident My Ambivalent rates as a live chance leading into the Melbourne Cup and is excited by the prospect of success.

“We’ve looked at coming over here for some time and obviously with her first crack at the Caulfield Cup not working out, when we’ve got her back on track it’s been all systems go for the Melbourne Cup, I’m really excited,” he said.

“It’s one of those races steeped in history and for years and years you probably dream of bringing a horse out here and competing in it, and here we are. It’s massive to be here and hopefully she’ll show up well on Tuesday.”

Having performed well on tracks of all consistencies in every corner of the globe throughout her 16 start career to date, My Ambivalent is yet to receive much more than a sprinkling of wagers for success in Melbourne Cup 2014 betting markets and remains steady at a quote of $41 for success at 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.