Hartnell Cup Bound

Hartnell | Racing And Sports

The Godolphin camp have confirmed their intention to saddle Hartnell (GB) (Authorized {Ire}) in the G1 Emirates Melbourne Cup next Tuesday. The 5-year-old has enjoyed a successful spring campaign, beating G1 BMW Caulfield Cup winner Jameka (Aus) (Myboycharlie {Ire}) in the G1 Yellowglen Turnbull S. Oct. 2 before being swept aside by Winx in the G1 William Hill Cox Plate last weekend.

“He's come through the run better than I expected and I am happy with where he is at,” said trainer John O'Shea. “James [McDonald] looked after him beautifully in the run, not punishing him late and letting him stride to the line. We paid up today for second acceptances and hope to have a good week with him in the lead up to the Cup.”

Hartnell finished well down the field in last year's Melbourne Cup, but arguably arrives to the race this year with better form figures to his name than last year. 32 horses remain in the Cup after Monday's second acceptance and Godolphin could have up to seven runners, with G3 Geelong Cup first and third Qewy (Ire) (Street Cry {Ire}) and Oceanographer (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), G1 Caulfield Cup runner up Scottish (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), Tally (Aus) (Street cry {Ire}), Secret Number (GB) (Raven's Pass) and Beautiful Romance (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) all bidding to give Godolphin a first win in the race that stops a nation.

 

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