For fans of top-class international racing, the first week in November may be the finest time of the year. The 2024 Breeders’ Cup Festival lights up Del Mar on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd. Can City Of Troy cement his legacy by upsetting the US dirt performers on their own patch? 9:41 pm on Saturday is the time to find out.
Hot on the heels of the US jamboree, the focus switches to the land of Oz for the 2024 edition of the Melbourne Cup (4am on Tuesday morning UK time). The race that stops a nation, or at least the larger Melbourne area, has landed in British or Irish hands three times in the last seven years. The raiding party suffered a significant blow this week, but they still boast a solid chance of bringing the prize money home.
Jan Brueghel Fails Veterinary Checks
Jan Brueghel out of Melbourne Cup after failed vet check https://t.co/430mheExnu
— irishracing.com (@irishracing) October 29, 2024
Unbeaten in four starts and last sighted toughing it out to land the St. Leger Stakes at Doncaster, Jan Brueghel was expected to lead the Irish charge in 2024. All appeared to be going to plan, with the son of Galileo arriving safely in Australia. However, drama unfolded following the notoriously stringent Australian veterinary checks.
A statement released by the Australian stewards stated CT scans had revealed that Jan Brueghel is “at heightened risk of injury”. And that was that for the Ante-Post favourite, who gets a holiday in Australia but not a run in the race. That leaves Aidan O’Brien without a representative in 2024, with the Ballydoyle maestro summing up his feelings when stating, “There comes a point when it becomes ridiculous”.
Four Raiders Remain
Absurde takes an impressive victory in The Virgin Bet Chester Stakes 🏆
Can he replicate that performance in the Melbourne Cup next? #ITVRacing | @ChesterRaces pic.twitter.com/zQDhihDbwq
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) August 31, 2024
The absence of Jan Brueghel deprives the British and Irish of their most likely winner. He is, after all, a rapidly improving, Classic-winning, three-year-old who has yet to taste defeat at the track. However, all hope is not lost. The following four familiar names remain in contention for a shot at the massive £4,577,540 prize money.
Vauban
- Trainer – Willie Mullins
- Sire – Galiway
Rewind to the 2023 edition of this race, and this Rich Ricci star was all the rage in the Melbourne Cup market. Despite starting as the 9/2f, the mount of Ryan Moore managed only a laboured 14th place effort. Undeterred, the Closutton team return for another crack in 2024. Currently trading at around the 5/1 mark, it also appears that punters are keeping the faith.
If we put that 2023 blip to one side, there is much to like about the claims of this six-year-old. A Grade 1 winner over obstacles, he scored over this trip on the level when landing the Grade 2 Lonsdale Cup at York in August. Second to the mighty Kyprios last time out in the Irish St. Leger, he brings excellent form to the table.
Onesmoothoperator
- Trainer – Brian Ellison
- Sire – Dialed In
Making the trip from North Yorkshire, Onesmoothoperator bids to hand Brian Ellison the biggest win of his career. Having landed an elusive Northumberland Plate for Northeast-native Ellison, this well-named colt has already earned a special place in his trainer’s heart. If he wins this, he may well get a statue in Norton.
And he just might. No match for Kalpana in the Autumn Stakes at Kempton, he showed an immediate liking for this part of the world in the Geelong Cup last time. Settled towards the rear by Craig Williams, the six-year-old displayed a sparkling turn of foot in the straight to score by an easy 2¼l. Amongst the outsiders before that contest, he is now in to around 12/1.
Absurde
- Trainer – Willie Mullins
- Sire – Fastnet Rock
Absurde joined Vauban in the 2023 field and accompanies his more fancied stablemate once again. Also six years old, this dual-purpose performer has been a credit to connections. Equally dangerous on the level and over obstacles, his wins include the Ebor Handicap, Chester Stakes, and the County Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Not beaten far when seventh last year, his recent career-best win at Chester suggests he arrives in even better form this time. He may prove popular with punters at a general 9/1.
Sea King
- Trainer – Harry Eustace
- Sire – Sea The Stars
Sired by Sea The Stars and out of the Listed winning mare, Pamona, this five-year-old flies the flag for Newmarket. A five-time winner for former trainer Sir Mark Prescott, Sea King made quite an impression on his debut for Harry Eustace last time. In common with Onesmoothoperator, Australia was chosen for his prep run. Sent off at 9/2 in the Bendigo Cup, he travelled well throughout before powering to a 3¾l victory. He’s yet to run over this far but boasts a steadily progressive profile and could be involved if his stamina holds.