A notable performer over the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival before returning to the spelling paddock as a result of an injury sustained when third in the Group 3 Lexus Stakes (2500m) on November 2nd, trainer Mike Moroney has revealed talented stayer Araldo is on track for a return to racing this spring and legitimate attempt on the featured Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) in November.
Trainer Mike Moroney has revealed Araldo (centre) will target the 2014 Melbourne Cup. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Purchased part-way through the 2013 racing season with the intention of being a Melbourne Cup runner, Araldo was disappointing in his first-up effort; unable to overcome an early check and match the late pace of eventual champion Ibicenco in the Listed Slickpix Stakes (1700m), finishing fifteenth.
Unable to take part in the 2014 Sydney Autumn Carnival, Moroney told The Herald Sun that scans have revealed the rising seven-year-old has completely recovered from his leg ailment which prevented him from running straight in the 2013 Lexus Stakes, and is confident of a successful 2014 Spring Racing Carnival should Araldo remain fit.
“If we can keep him right, he is a very good horse and he’ll be aimed for the cups too,” Moroney said.
Securing an impressive total of four wins and five minor places from just eleven competitive starts so far, Araldo began his racing career abroad in ; finishing a close second in each of his first two races in the early stages of 2011.
Continuing to build in form and class through 2012, the High Chaparral entire won each of his first three starts before finishing a fighting third in the Group 1 Preis Von Europa (2413m) in Cologne and fourth in the Group 1 Premio Del Jockey Club Italiano (2413m) in Milan.
Overcoming his disappointing Australian start with a hard-fought third in the Listed Penang Trophy (1800m) on September 21st, Araldo finished second to Sea Moon in the Listed Bart Cummings (2520m) on October 5th but successfully lodged an appeal against the Robert Hickmott-trained runner for careless riding and was subsequently awarded the victory.
Yet to take to the track in 2014, Araldo is currently available at generous odds of $41 for success in the 2014 Melbourne Cup with leading online bookie Ladbrokes.com.au.
Ladbrokes.com.au is currently offering the best early odds on all major races through the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival, including the Melbourne Cup!
