THREE CHANCES ON CUP DAY

It’s Cup day and we have three runners with Alenquer cleared to start in Australia’s greatest race.

Fortunately for connections Alenquer (pictured) was passed clear to run by Racing Victoria vets this morning after developing a minor stone bruise in his near fore foot on Sunday.

Mike Moroney has specifically set the import for today’s race where he will be ridden by Damien Oliver.

“It’s terrific he’s in the race,” Mike said. “We were always confident he would be ok but it’s a precaution that we understand has to happen.

“”That aside, I could not be happier with him, he looks in great order, is nice and fit and he has the goat aboard so it would be a wonderful finale for Damien Oliver to win another Melbourne Cup at his final spring carnival.

“This horse ran way better than the bare form shows last start, he got poleaxed at the start which set back to the tail and then his closing sectionals were as good as anything with a horse laying on him most of the way.

“I know the Irish horse is all the rage but I’m very happy with our horse and he’s there to run well.”

Pacific Cross has made the field for the Desirable Stakes with Daniel Stackhouse to ride.

“Very pleased she’s made it,” Mike said. “Obviously it’s a big step up in class for her but these races don’t come along all that often and we are not in the habit of running for runnings sake.

“She’s trained on well from an impressive debut win, she is still learning but she is a talented filly who should be suited by the 1400 metres.”

Bermadez rounds out our day in the last race of the day with Damien Oliver aboard but drawn awkwardly.

“The horse is in good order and he is training well, his last jumpout pleased us a lot,” Mike said.

“He’s got a good first-up record, we’ve aimed him at this race, it’s just a pity he’s drawn wide but he’s ready to run a big race.”