Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup winning jockey Corey Brown, who rode Shocking to victory in the $5.65million event in spectacular fashion, now has his sights set on his mount in Thursday’s Group 1 $1million Crown Oaks (2500m) at Flemington.
Brown, who has been celebrating his Cup victory after a narrow miss last year with Bauer, is set to mount the Gerald Ryan-trained Melito in the Crown Oaks. Melito is currently a $13 chance following some of the more experienced and proven entries including the dominant favourite Faint Perfume at $1.65.
Brown is confident Melito can improve on Thursday from her last start third in the Wakeful Stakes, five and a half lengths behind winner Faint Perfume. The filly drew a wide barrier in the race dampening her chances, but will start from the better positioned barrier six in the Crown Oaks tomorrow.
Prior to her run in the Wakeful Stakes, Melito finished a strong second to Irish Lights in the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield in October.
Other fancied runners leading the betting markets for tomorrow’s Flemington feature include Wakeful runner-up Silent Surround ($10) and maiden filly Valdemoro ($9).
