Last year’s Emirates Melbourne Cup third place getter Jakkalberry remains on track for another tilt at the race this year...
Last year’s Emirates Melbourne Cup third place getter Jakkalberry remains on track for another tilt at the race this year as he continues to impress connections in his recovery from a leg injury, reports Racing Victoria.
Owned by Victorian-based syndicator Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock (ATB), the seven-year-old has not been since winning the Group 2 Dubai City Of Gold Stakes (1600m) at Meydan in March.
Speaking from his Newmarket stable in the lead-up to Saturday’s Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes (2400m) at Royal Ascot, in which he has fellow ATB recruit Dandino engaged, trainer Marco Botti said Jakkalberry would return to the training track in the coming week with Melbourne his main aim.
“Jakkalberry is recovering really well and we’re really pleased with the way he is progressing,” Botti told ATB’s Darren Dance.
“He is doing plenty of exercise on the treadmill and he’s due to start cantering in a week’s time.
“Hopefully we’re still on schedule for the Melbourne Cup.”
Click here to watch ATB TV's full interview with Marco Botti.
The young Italian trainer also gave an update on the progress of another ATB-owned import, Tac De Boistron, who was transferred to his stable recently after a luckless stint with Cranbourne horseman Mick Kent.
“He’s settled in really well, he’s a nice horse and very straightforward,” Botto said.
“He lost a little bit of weight travelling back to England but we’re happy with the way he is moving on the canter.”
Dance confirmed the team's South African sprinting mare Chocolicious, a dominant Listed winner over 1100m at Clairwood in December, would also join Botti’s stable in the coming weeks.
Click here to view Jakkalberry's 'Race To Spring' International Horse Profile, featuring career form and feature race replays.