Add CategoryGAI Waterhouse is still hopeful of having a Melbourne Cup starter with her tough stayer Cismontane in a must-win situation in the Group 3 $300,000 Lexus Stakes (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Cismontane is currently 33rd on Melbourne Cup order of entry and needs to win the Group 3 $300,000 Lexus Stakes (2500m) to secure gain a place in Tuesday’s big race.
“I plan to run Cismontane on Tuesday if he can win the Lexus,’’ Waterhouse said. “His form is good and if he wins (Saturday) then he deserves to run in the Melbourne Cup.’’
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The Lexus Stakes could easily be renamed the “Last Chance Stakes†with Cismontane among eight staters needing to win to get into the Melbourne Cup.
Harlem, the $3.80 Lexus favourite, is 27th in order of entry for the Melbourne Cup. Aloft (28th), Vengeur Masque (30th), Kellstrom (34th), Guardini (35th) and Alward (36th) all need to win to ensure a Cup start.
The Lexus winner is exempt from ballot and re-handicap for the Melbourne Cup.
CUP HOPES IN LEXUS STAKES
| Horse (Cup odds) | Order | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Harlem ($41) | 27th | Needs to win |
| Aloft ($81) | 28th | Needs to win |
| Vengeur Masque ($81) | 30th | Needs to win |
| Pentathlon ($301) | 31st | Needs to win |
| Cismontane ($201) | 33rd | Needs to win |
| Kellstorm ($101) | 34th | Needs to win |
| Guardini ($301) | Unqualified | Needs to win |
| Alward ($151) | Unqualified | Needs to win |
In the last 40 years, only Brew (2000) and Shocking (2009) have won the Lexus Stakes-Melbourne Cup double.
Brew was also placed in the Moonee Valley Cup and Cismontane is potentially following a similar program if he can gain a Melbourne Cup start.
Waterhouse, who trains in partnership with Adrian Bott, said Cismontane is the type of stayer who thrives on racing.
“Cismontane is a very fit horse, he is training well and enjoying it, which is the main thing,’’ said Waterhouse, who won the Melbourne Cup with Fiorente in 2013.
“His form has kept improving through the spring. He ran really well in the St Leger (third to Big Duke) at Randwick and then backed that up with another good run in the Moonee Valley Cup (third to Who Shot Thebarman).
“I know the Melbourne Cup is another level again but if he can win the Lexus and pulls up well, then there is no reason not run him on Tuesday.’’
The irony for Waterhouse is she might beat herself with Cismontane’s stablemate Ecuador looming as one of the hardest to beat in the Lexus.
“Ecuador is not in the Melbourne Cup but his rider, Adam Hyeronimus, has been telling me this horse has been looking for further than 2000m,’’ Waterhouse said. “I think 2500m is as far as he wants to go but he is the class runner and that will take him a long way.’’
Waterhouse is upbeat her chances in two of the Group 1 races on Derby Day, particularly the $500,000 Myer Classic (1600m) with Global Glamour and Prompt Response.
“I feel both mares are going so well they can run 1-2,’’ Waterhouse said. “Global Glamour has gone ahead in leaps and bounds since she won at Caulfield and Prompt Response is a very underrated mare who worked brilliantly at Flemington on Tuesday.’’
Waterhouse also has emerging filly Invincible Star in the Group 1 $1 million Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m).
“Invincible Star is up against a very good field but she has won up the straight and that is important,’’ Waterhouse said. “She is flying in her work.’’