News Article
Major Preparing For Second Salute In Cup
08 December 2009
Reigning SEW-Eurodrive Victoria Cup champion Melpark Major has drawn gate five for his title defence this Friday night
With the frustration of a failed Miracle Mile bid behind him, Bacchus Marsh trainer Alan Tubbs has Melpark Major as "good as gold" in preparation for his SEW-Eurodrive Victoria Cup title defence tonight at Melton's Tabcorp Park.
"You're always disappointed if you can't win a race that you're trying to win," Tubbs said in reference to Melpark Major's Miracle Mile fifth placing.
"But we weren't down on the horse, he ran really well, and we were pleased as punch with him."
Importantly for team Tubbs, which includes Melpark Major's regular driver Amy, the hulking son of Iraklis appears to have taken no ill-effect from his last run and is set to run the race of his life in this weekend's $400,000 Group 1.
"He travelled super well and he's really in terrific condition," Tubbs said. "He's responded well to his work as we've brought him forward for the race and he's ready and raring to go again."
Perhaps the biggest obstacle facing Melpark Major in his bid to become only the sixth horse to claim multiple Victoria Cups is his problematic draw of five, but Tubbs is adamant that daughter Amy will pressing forward early.
That Smoken Up, Mr Feelgood and Blacks A Fake have drawn the inside three gates is of little consequence to Tubbs, who conceded that there is only one option at the elite level these days: go forward and ride your luck.
"Now they've reduced the race to 2240 metres, there's not a lot of point in thinking about going back," he said.
"He's at a disadvantage compared to last year (when he drew one and broke the Moonee Valley track record), but we'll just have to wait and see how it all unfolds.
"Obviously Smoken Up's going to be favourite and absolutely the hardest to beat - he went enormous in the Miracle Mile and he draws one - but I also expect Blacks A Fake to improve from barrier three this time.
"It's just a great race, it's going to be a great spectacle."
Runners will leave the arm for the 35th Victoria Cup - the highlight of a bumper 10-race program - at 9.40pm.
