Trainer Saeed Bin Suroor is confident that Secret Number is in peak form ahead of his run in the 2016 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday.
Secret Number has reportedly taken well to his time in Australia. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
Secret Number travelled to Australia as part of the international Godolphin operation’s party during the 2015 Spring Carnival, and ran an impressive second to Dandino in the Group 3 Queen’s Cup (2600m) after failing to gain entry into the Melbourne Cup field.
Having only made one competitive appearance at the races since that run, and impressive win in the Listed Doonside Cup Stakes (2011m) at Ayr on September 15th, Bin Suroor is confident that the Raven’s gelding is well suited to light racing and is subsequently ready for a big performance in the Melbourne Cup 2016.
“We thought when he ran last year we’d give him a break,” Bin Suroor said after the Melbourne Cup barrier draw.
“You have to give some of these horses a break to prepare them for the big races, and Secret Number is always a horse that would be perfect for this race.
“He ran one time in England for a big race and won really well and then travelled to Australia in good form, travelled really well and performed really nicely.
“This is a really tough race. We’re looking for a good result again.”
Secret Number has only finished outside the first three a handful of times through a slick thirteen-start career so far; posting five wins and a further four minors since debuting in last 2012.
Undoubtedly stamping himself as one to watch through the 2013 racing calendar, Secret Number ran fifth in the Group 3 Gordon Stakes (2414m) and third in the Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes (2414m), and while luckless in transit when sixth in the Group 1 Ladbrokes St Leger (2937m), responded in the best way possible with a comfortable win in the Listed Cumberland Lodge Stakes (2414m).
Having returned for only one start in 2015 prior to the Queen’s Cup, Secret Number booked his ticket to Australia with a smart win in the Listed Stand Cup (2474m) at Chester.
Ladbrokes is currently offering Secret Number at 2016 Melbourne Cup odds of $34.
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