Figuring as the sole Godolphin entry following this morning’s withdrawal of leading hope Cavalryman, Willing Foe has experienced notable attention in Melbourne Cup betting markets in the lead-up to Race 7 at Flemington this afternoon.
Willing Foe will be the only runner to wear Godolphin blue in the 2014 Melbourne Cup. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Securing an exceptional race record of five wins and as many minor places over his 15 competitive starts so far, Willing Foe was unlucky to be blocked for a run and sixth in his racing debut in 2009, but responded in the best way possible when returning to racing in 2010; winning each of his first three starts including the Unison Maiden Stakes (2055m) and Blue Square Handicap (2414m) most notably.
Appearing on track just twice in 2011 and returning to racing in 2012 in typically good form, the Dynaformer gelding finishing third in the Owen Brown Handicap (2414m) at Royal Ascot first-up before returning to the winner’s circle with arguably his most impressive performance to date in the renowned Ebor (2816m) in August.
Continuing to impress when third in both the Group 3 Qatar Prix Gladiatuer (3100m) and Group 3 Cumberland Lodge Stakes (2414m), the gelding out of Thunder Kitten was once again unlucky to be hampered early and blocked in the final straight of the Group 3 Champion Shield (2418m), finishing eighth.
Taking out the Listed Aston Park Stakes (2670m) in his only competitive tilt in 2013, Willing Foe has received an ideal lead-up to his Australian racing debut this afternoon in running a close second to Seismos in the Group 3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes (2670m) first-up before placing a credible fourth in the Group 1 Irish St Leger (2816m) last time out on September 14th.
Understandably thrilled with Willing Foe’s recent form, trainer Saeed Bin Suroor is confident the seven-year-old will deliver on his generous odds in Melbourne Cup betting markets.
“Willing Foe has been a different horse since he has arrived in Australia,” Bin Suroor said.
“I really like him a lot and he is doing really well. We have had to be very patient with him in the past because he has had a few setbacks.
“We have finished second in the Melbourne Cup three times before. It is a great race and we have been trying to win it for years. We hope that we have a better chance this time.”
Drifting to a quote of $31 following the allocation of barrier 16, Cavalryman’s scratching has led to punters putting their faith in the lone Godolphin entrant in Melbourne Cup betting markets, who is now available at a quote of $26 at Ladbrokes Australia.
