REPRESENTATIVES for the owners of Dandino have refuted claims in the Australian press that Ryan Moore will be removed from the six-year-old in next month's Hong Kong Vase saying no decision has been taken, reports the Racing Post in the UK. It says reports from Australia had suggested that Moore would be replaced aboard the Marco Botti-trained runner after Darren Dance, syndicate manager for owners Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock, had labelled his ride in the Melbourne Cup "disappointing".
The Racing Post added: However, connections are yet to make a decision on who rides in Hong Kong next month with a local jockey being considered along with Moore, although Moore is reportedly number one choice when Dandino returns to Europe and if he heads to Dubai.
Dandino finished fifth in the Melbourne Cup, beaten three and a half lengths, which Dance felt was an impressive performance given his runner had found himself out of position at the back of the field turning into the home straight.
While the perceived criticism for Moore from Dance raised eyebrows, connections were keen to state that owners tended to less reserved in their summary of races as can sometimes be the case in Europe.
Speaking to Australian broadcaster TVN, Dance had said: "It was a disappointing ride.
"My summary is that the horse ran enormous. To come from second last on the corner to run fifth was outstanding, but at the 1,000 metre mark he had the chance to get on the back of Fiorente.
"That's what cost us running second or third. I don't think we were going to beat Fiorente, he was just too good."
He added: "I just thought our horse should have finished right with them, I think he should have run a place. It's disappointing when you draw four and you end up back near last behind slow horses and then you are left with too much to do."