Five-year-old Hissing Sid has another big race on Saturday in preparation for a bid in this year’s Melbourne Cup on Tuesday November 2.
Trained by Bill and Symon Wilde, Hissing Sid was impressive last start when he claimed an emphatic victory in the $130,000 Listed Warrnambool Cup (2350m) for the second consecutive year, and his Melbourne Cup chances will be further tested this Saturday when he runs in the Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes (3200m) at Flemington.
If the track stays dry, connections will start the promising stayer in the Ramsden Stakes, giving him an early look at the Flemington two-mile track in anticipation of the 150th Melbourne Cup.
Unsuitable conditions tomorrow in the event of a wet track will mean Hissing Sid will skip the race and instead focus on the $300,000 Group 2 Brisbane Cup (2400m) on June 12 at Eagle Farm.
A win in the Ramsden, however, will go a long way in boosting the horse’s chances of a start in the time-honoured Melbourne Cup, worth a record $6 million this year, as it will gain him a penalty for the Cup and move him up the list of hopefuls.
Hissing Sid was the favourite in the Andrew Ramsden last year but faded to finish fifth to Phaze Action. He has improved a lot since then and looks a fine chance of making it second time lucky.
The Andrew Ramsden Stakes is programmed as race six at Flemington on Saturday, due to jump at 3:15pm.
Ajhar is the current favourite at $4.50 through [iasbet] while Hissing Sid, drawn out wide in barrier 14, is equal second elect at $5.50 with Persian Star.
