Galileo's Choice, ridden by Tom Daly, has had an interrupted campaign after a difficult flight to Melbourne later saw him with an elevated temperature. Picture: Ian Currie Source: Herald Sun
Dermot Weld during his last visit to our shores. Picture: Darren McNamara Source: Herald Sun
IRISH trainer Dermot Weld first ambushed Australian bookmakers with Vintage Crop in the 1993 Melbourne Cup, the bagmen were left to muse over the credentials of a part-time hurdler/progressive stayer.
Almost two decades later, Weld returns in search of a third Cup with Galileo's Choice, a lightly-raced seven-year-old who, like Vintage Crop, mixes hurdling with flat racing.
Galileo's Choice did not travel well to Australia, but Weld ensure the gelding was given the maximum time to acclimatise.
He has steadily blossomed at Werribee, gaining weight and fitness almost by the day.
A useful juvenile, Galileo's Choice won twice at three before jumping to Group 1 company the following season.
He then switched to jumping, winning over 3200m and 3400m, before winning a 2000m Group 3 on the flat at Leopardstown.
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More jumping followed before Weld switched Galileo’s Choice back to flat racing, winning first-up in the Listed Challenge Stakes (2800m)
That success led to a brave win in the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes (2400m) at Leopardstown on August 9, showing tremendous grit to hold off his rivals with 61kg.
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A proven weight-carrier, Galileo's Choice will shoulder only 53.5kg in the Melbourne Cup, having carried no less than 61kg in his past eight starts.
GALILEO'S CHOICE
Bay g 7-year-old
Galileo (Ire)-Sevi's Choice (USA)
Trainer: Dermot Weld (Ire)
Emirates Melbourne Cup odds: $21
Assessment: Heading straight to the Cup, Galileo's Choice is the hardest of the Flemington entrants to assess. Trained by Irish master Dermot Weld and boasting a similar profile Vintage Crop, so must be a huge chance.
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