Signoff Into Melbourne Cup Field After Lexus Stakes Win

Signoff is into the 2014 Melbourne Cup field after taking out the ballot-exempt Lexus Stakes at Flemington this afternoon.

Signoff secured a place in the 2014 Melbourne Cup by scoring a strong win in the Lexus Stakes at Flemington this afternoon. Photo by: Sarah Ebbett

Signoff secured a place in the 2014 Melbourne Cup by scoring a strong win in the Lexus Stakes at Flemington this afternoon. Photo by: Sarah Ebbett

Signoff was extremely well-backed in the lead-up to the Lexus Stakes and he was given a lovely run into the race by leading jockey Joao Moreira, who settled the progressive stayer in fifth position off the rails.

Moreira produced Signoff at the right time and the Authorized gelding was far too strong for his rivals in the final stages of the race to record a strong win from a gallant Big Memory and La Amistad.

The Brazilian jockey took out the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) with Brazen Beau in the previous race and the leading hoop was thrilled to record another race win and secure himself a ride in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m).

“Good horses make jockeys lives much easier and that is what he has done,” Moreira said.

“It is a great pleasure to be riding another winner especially a horse that can be led up to the Melbourne Cup.

“I was searching for a ride and this one could be the one.

“He was quiet fired up in the first 400 metres, but when I got cover behind some other horses he relaxed nicely for me.

“He travelled nice and kind and one the pace started to pick up at the 600 I was always confident that he was going to get there.

“Coming to the straight he was just so lovely and he got there easily.”

Darren Weir was confident that Signoff could win the Lexus Stakes and he was thrilled that the four-year-old was able to take out the race and secure a place in the Melbourne Cup field.

The in-form trainer was quick to pay credit to the ride of Moreira and believes that the Lexus Stakes victory was the perfect dress rehearsal for Signoff heading into the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday.

“It was great,” Weir said.

“It was a great ride by Joao and hopefully the horse has a good next couple of days, so we can push on to the Tuesday.

“It was a great ride; he did a bit of work out of the barrier, I told him to be first four and preferably off the fence.

“He made them work to get around them and he just got him into a lovely rhythm.

“He produced him at the right time and the horse was nice and strong through the line.

“He really had a nice day out for Tuesday.”

Signoff is now into 2014 Melbourne Cup odds of $8 and he is on the fourth line of betting behind Admire Rakti ($4.80), Lucia Valentina ($7) and Protectionist ($7.50).

The 2014 Melbourne Cup field has been released and you can find full details at horseracing.com.au.

About The Author

Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.