Cutting in drastically following a credible run for fourth in Australian racing debut in the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) on October 11th, attention in 2014 Melbourne Cup betting markets has eased for classy German raider Protectionist as punters have set their sights on Johnny Murtagh’s Mutual Regard.
Protectionist remains on the fourth line of Melbourne Cup betting. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Finishing outside the places just once in his nine race career so far, Protectionist will leave from the ideal barrier 10 in this afternoon’s Race That Stops a Nation and has been confirmed to be partnered by leading British jockey Ryan Moore, who memorably partnered Adelaide to victory in the Cox Plate on October 25th.
Understandably thrilled with the career start mustered by the Monsun entire so far, trainer Andreas Wohler is confident that with a bit of luck, his runner is more than a chance of success in the 2014 Melbourne Cup.
“He’s settled in really well and we’re very happy with him so far, he’s had a very smooth preparation and we’re looking forward to the race,” Wohler told Racing Victoria.
“He ran very well in the Herbert Power, he hit a flat spot five furlongs (1000m) out but he finished off the race really well.
“As long as it isn’t any firmer than Caulfield last time, which was a very fast track where they ran a fast time, he should be OK.
“He just needs a bit of luck and if everything goes right then he has a great chance.”
Winning a minor over 1600m in Germany on debut in late 2012 and returning to the paddock after finishing second in the Group 3 Herzog Von Ratibor-Rennen (1710m).
Finishing third in the Listed Preis Iffezheimer Derby Trial (2212m) and wonning the Listed SWB Derby Trial (2212m) in his only two appearances on course in 2013, the stallion out of Patineuse has received an ideal lead-up to the 2014 Melbourne Cup this year; running second in both the Listed Preis von Dahlwitz (2011m) and Group 2 Grosser Preis Der Badischen Unternehmer (2212m) before claiming back-to-back victories in the Group 2 Hansa-Preis (2413m) and Group 2 Prix Kergorlay (3000m) prior to the Herbert Power Stakes.
Cutting in from odds of more than $50 in Melbourne Cup betting markets upon first arriving in Australia, Protectionist opened at a quote of $7 following the confirmation of the final field and barrier draw of Saturday night, but has since eased out to a current quote of $8 for success at Ladbrokes Australia.
