David Hayes is confident that Almoonqith can produce his best form from a wide draw, when he lines up in Tuesday’s 2016 Melbourne Cup field.
Almoonqith will jump from barrier 19 in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
Almoonqith was unable to produce much through his first three starts this time in, but the six-year-old stamped himself as a legitimate Melbourne Cup contestant when he savaged the line for fourth in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) a fortnight ago.
Hayes was pleased when Almoonqith drew into the Melbourne Cup field in barrier 19 and believes that the horse will be able to find a great position in transit from the outset.
“It’s a plan that came off. At Talaq (1986 Melbourne Cup winner) drew five from the outside which is exactly the same as this horse, and last year Ben drew a showy barrier and they’re still trying to get out,” Hayes said at the Melbourne Cup barrier draw.
“I’d prefer to be out in the Melbourne Cup.
“I think Flemington by race 15 of the carnival, three-wide with cover is where you want to be.
“He ran the best last 200m in the Caulfield Cup and had no luck, he drew in.”
Almoonqith has been a strong and largely consistent performer throughout his entire racing career so far; posting a commendable six wins and four minors through thirty-one starts since making his debut in November of 2012.
Posting a number of credible results under the guidance of JC Rouget in France, the Dynaformer gelding was transferred to the care of Mike De Kock prior to his 2014 campaign and was set on a preparation in the middle-east, which heralded an impressive win in the Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy (2810m) most notably.
Arriving at the Lindsay Park stables prior to last year’s Spring Carnival, Almoonqith announced himself to the Australian racing community through a number of smart performances; most notably a resounding win in the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m).
Failing to fire when eighteenth in the Melbourne Cup but ending his campaign with a tough win in the Listed Sandown Cup (3200m), Almoonqith contested four Autumn Carnival races upon resuming this year and was returned to the paddock after finishing fifth in the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m).
Almoonqith has been charged with carrying 54.5kgs in the Melbourne Cup and will be partnered by jockey Michael Walker.
Almoonqith is currently available at 2016 Melbourne Cup odds of $21 with Ladbrokes Australia.
