Melbourne Cup fancy Hawkspur enjoys a roll in the sand. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HeraldSun
CHRIS Waller, chasing his first Melbourne Cup success, says punters should take note of the “flashing light” hovering over Hawkspur.
Although not forgotten in Cup betting — the four-year-old is TAB’s $10 fourth favourite — Waller suggested Hawkspur should not be overlooked as hype builds for the internationals.
“The Cup distance is a new level, but he has had a flashing light on his head the way he has finished his past couple of runs,” Waller said after the gelding worked strongly at Flemington yesterday.
The leading Sydney trainer was impressed with the gallop over 1200m in 1min 17.9sec, the last 400m in 23.45sec.
And he has been pleased with Hawkspur’s recent races, despite the fact he has not won.
He was blocked for runs but still ran within half a length of the placegetters in the Turnbull Stakes and he flashed home in the Caulfield Cup, in which stewards reported he was severely hampered in the early stages.
He has only 53.5kg in the 3200m Melbourne Cup.
“He is on song,” Waller said, adding Hawkspur would go straight to the Cup.
“I think he is rock-hard fit. He is not a gross horse and running on Saturday could flatten him.
“The horse has won over 2400m and he has had the perfect preparation."
Chris Waller realises it's time for the serious stuff as the spring carnival heads to the Flemington headquarters. Picture: Michael Klein
Waller also will start Foreteller in the Cup, almost as an after thought.
PROFILES OF THE MELBOURNE CUP CONTENDERS
“It is something that has come to mind since he ran on Saturday (fourth in the Cox Plate)," he said.
“He is a seven-year-old and he will not get another chance (of running in the Cup). His form is as good as anything going into the race, so why not give it a go?”
Kelinni, 25th in the order of entry, will be Waller’s third candidate.
Chris Waller says he has full confidence in Hawkspur. Picture: Wayne Ludbey
Kelinni, who had colic early in his campaign, ran well in the Caulfield Cup and Waller said he could be competitive in the Cup, as he was last year when fourth.
“We know he stays the two miles and he will be finishing off,” he said.
Waller said Moriarty, who will run in the Mackinnon Stakes on Saturday, was “most unlikely” to contest the Cup.
He currently sits 28th in the order.
Waller was pleased with the effort of Moriarty, who will contest the Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) on Saturday.
“His Caulfield Cup run was excellent but I see him as next year’s project,” he said.
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