The first Tuesday in November is almost upon us and that can only mean one thing in racing circles. The eagerly awaited Melbourne Cup has been the ultimate target for RED CADEAUX this season and almost a year on from his painstaking defeat by Dunaden, the six year old can be reported to be in the form of his life. The Ronnie Arculli owned gelding has been handed a wide draw and while it is not ideal to be racing from stall eighteen, he was in a similar position last year when only going down by a nose. This time he is looking to atone that defeat and is weighted 3.5kg less than his French rival from last year's photo finish who carries top weight of 59kg which means Red Cadeaux has a 2.5kg swing in his favour this time.
When interviewed down under Ed said, "I'm nought for three with Dunaden, we're better weighted this time, can we turn the tables? We'll give it a go. You can arguably say my horse's form has been better in Europe than Dunaden's. Why can't we? Arguably, we are better weighted with Dunaden. The horse seems in very good form. We have planned this; I hope I have done my job correctly."
Michael Rodd rides the son of Cadeaux Genereux again this year and Ed said, "We had many, many Australian jockeys wanting the ride but when he became available, he knows the horse, knows the track, he's a great jockey, he's doing well, so I had no problems with him riding again."
Rodd is plotting to avenge last years defeat saying after working the horse at Werribee, "I learned a lot off riding him last year and I definitely got to the front too early on him, he took me by surprise with his turn of foot. I didn't think he was going to let go like that".
Red Cadeaux is a very genuine galloper who was placed on all three runs at Group 1 level and will come into this race fresh having not raced since July. "He is bigger and stronger this time, we are very happy with him. He runs very well fresh and he looks fantastic. My team have done a great job. He is a horse that has proven he runs well first time out, but this is a tough race and we need a little luck. Maybe it will be our turn," Ed said on Saturday. Rodd was also quoted as saying, "I could really feel it out there on the track. He's certainly a lot wider, just sitting up there on top of him."
On the eve of the race that stops a nation, it is all systems go and connections are hopeful of a taste of Melbourne Cup victory at Flemington tomorrow.