Ruscello has earned himself a spot in the $6 million Melbourne Cup by claiming today’s 2013 Lexus Stakes at Flemington.
However, despite coming in from equal 41st on the order of entry to now being guaranteed a run, he still may not take his place in the field.
Trainer Ed Walkerhad already made his mind up prior to the running of the 2013 Lexus Stakes, which he did not expect him to win.
Ruscello is no certainty for the Melbourne Cup despite Lexus Stakes win. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia.
However, he did it after the race that he would have another think about his decision before the final field was declared this afternoon.
Walker was shocked to see Ruscello win the 2013 Lexus Stakes, after a career of underachieving back in England.
He itted that the race had not panned out like he had first hoped, with jockey Kerrin McEvoy taking up the early lead.
“I gave him two instructions,” Walker said.
“One ‘get cover’ and the second ‘don’t go to the front too early’.
“He tries his heart out. It’s great. I’m a bit speechless.”
Walker was not forthcoming when asked about accepting for the Melbourne Cup.
“Let’s see. It’s a bit of a tough decision.
“To be honest with you it has to be no until the horse tells us yes.
“He’s just run the biggest race of his life. To ask him to run the second biggest race of his life… is a bit unfair.
“At this stage I think it has to be pretty unlikely.”
Ruscello was paying odds of $151 to win the Melbourne Cup at Ladbrokes.com.au prior to his Lexus Stakes win, and is expected to come into $41.
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2013 Lexus Stakes Race Results & Finishing Order
| Finish | No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Margin | Bar. | Weight | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | RUSCELLO (IRE) | Ed Walker | Kerrin McEvoy | – | 12 | 54kg | $11 |
| 2 | 11 | LET’S MAKE ADEAL | Nigel Blackiston | Michael Walker | 0.2L | 13 | 54kg | $9.50 |
| 3 | 6 | ARALDO (GB) | Michael Moroney | Glen Boss | 1.7L | 6 | 54kg | $4.20F |
| 4 | 1 | ETHIOPIA | Pat Carey | Hugh Bowman | 2.7L | 9 | 58kg | $26 |
| 5 | 14 | GARUD (IRE) | Michael Moroney | Craig Williams | 3.2L | 1 | 54kg | $14 |
| 6 | 8 | IRONSTEIN | Gerald Ryan | Brenton Avdulla | 3.3L | 2 | 54kg | $12 |
| 7 | 10 | KINGDOMS (NZ) | John O’Shea | James McDonald | 3.4L | 5 | 54kg | $14 |
| 8 | 5 | MOUDRE | Ciaron Maher | Ms Michelle Payne | 3.9L | 7 | 54.5kg | $61 |
| 9 | 13 | MOTIVADO (GB) | David Hayes | Craig Newitt | 6.15L | 4 | 54kg | $31 |
| 10 | 2 | KELINNI (IRE) | Chris Waller | Nash Rawiller | 7.9L | 3 | 57kg | $5.50 |
| 11 | 3 | JULIENAS (IRE) | Gai Waterhouse | Damien Oliver | 9.15L | 11 | 56.5kg | $14 |
| 12 | 9 | BASS STRAIT (NZ) | David Hayes | Dwayne Dunn | 9.45L | 10 | 54kg | $12 |
| 13 | 12 | VAQUERA (NZ) | Gai Waterhouse | Tommy Berry | 9.55L | 8 | 54kg | $26 |
| 14 | 4 | MY QUEST FOR PEACE (IRE) | Peter G Moody | Luke Nolen | 15.8L | 14 | 56.5kg | $31 |
