Trainer David Hayes believes that talented import Almoonqith is peaking at the right time for a strong performance in the 2016 Melbourne Cup, following an impressive run in the Caulfield Cup over the weekend.
Almoonqith savaged the line for fourth in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup over the weekend. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
Almoonqith was unable to make anything of an impact through his first three starts this time in, but the six-year-old overcame a number of issues in transit to run a handy fourth behind Jameka in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m).
Hayes told AAP that the Dynaformer entire has been brought on slowly through his Melbourne Cup campaign, and the trainer believes his most recent performance suggests he will be at peak condition and fitness on the first Tuesday in November.
“I thought he should have run second,” Hayes said.
“He was probably the unlucky runner in the race. He got dragged back probably three pairs. It was a really good Cup trial.
“We’ve been in a fortunate position this year with this horse in that he’s qualified (for the Melbourne Cup).
“So I haven’t had to have him ready for lead-up races and this was the first time he’s been anywhere near ready, and he’ll be ready in two weeks.”
Almoonqith began his racing career in in the late stages of 2012, and had two seasons under the care of Mike De Kock in the Middle East before being transferred to the Lindsay Park operation prior to his 2015 Spring Carnival campaign.
Debuting in Australia for fifth in the Sweeney Estate Agents Handicap (1500m) last August, Almoonqith performed notable from the outset but was undoubtedly at his blistering best when he recorded a dominant win in the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on October 21st.
While failing to fire and eighteenth in the Melbourne Cup won by Prince Of Penzance, the stallion out of Bohemian Lady capped his first Australian prep with a strong win in the Listed Sandown Cup (3200m); proving he is capable of getting a two mile trip.
Clearly requiring a couple of runs to find form upon resuming this year, Almoonqith most notably finished sixth in the Group 1 The BMW (2400m) and fifth in the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) through the Autumn Carnival.
Almoonqith has firmed into 2016 Melbourne Cup odds of $19 at Ladbrokes.com.au following his impressive Caulfield Cup run.
