Well then, what a week it’s been! From Sea King’s heroics in Bendigo last week to all the build up to the Melbourne Cup, it’s been some ride. Things didn’t go to plan in the Cup itself, but it’s all been such an amazing experience, and we’re really excited about it continuing with Docklands on Saturday.
He goes for the mile-and-a-quarter Group One Champions Stakes at Flemington and he’s in cracking form. I think that he’s improved both mentally and physically for his run in the Cox Plate, which we probably thought might happen. Obviously, we were well held by Via Sistina at Moonee Valley, so it’s a case of how much Docklands has improved in the meantime, which we won’t know for sure until Saturday. I’d say we also didn’t find out if he really stayed the 10 furlongs in the Cox Plate, as he was probably needing the run that day, so we’ll learn more about his stamina come Saturday too.
The track at Flemington will definitely suit him better than Moonee Valley. Of course, other participants will probably say the same, but I’m excited for our guy, as he really ought to have his ideal conditions on Saturday.
Ultimately, we’re all going to have to be at our very best to beat Via Sistina based off her Cox Plate romp. There are a host of other strong horses in there too, headed by last year’s winner Atishu, as well as the likes of Royal Champion, Duke De Sessa and Without A Fight, who people will remember from their careers in the UK and Ireland. If we end up finishing second to Via Sistina, then so be it, but we’re really hoping we have our guy in a better place to show his very best.
We’re delighted to have Dec Bates on board having won on Sea King last week. I think he’ll be a real help on Saturday given he was a European-based jockey, so he knows how to ride these European-trained types. It’s great to have him as he’s been lucky for us, so we’re hoping lightning can strike twice.
Hong Kong is very much the plan after Saturday, so here’s hoping we can pull it off in Oz ahead of heading up there for the International Races meet in December.
Sea King set to continue his career in Australia
Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be for Sea King in the Cup. He broke a bit slowly from stall one, which he did at Bendigo, but we didn’t want to give him a squeeze after that as we were worried that might light him up and he wouldn’t stay the trip.
He ended up at the back of the field, and it was always going to be incredibly tough to overcome the 22 runners ahead of him over the two miles.
Honestly, I’m very proud of the horse and I think he showed more than enough class in his run. He’s finished bang upsides Onesmoothoperator, so you’d say they’ve ended up running to form.
Sea King stays down in Australia now and will join Matt Dunn for Aussie owners OTI Racing. We’ve had a fantastic time with him here, it’s been a wonderful experience and I’m sure he will give some brilliant owners plenty more fun Down Under.
Have a great weekend,
Harry