Handicapper Greg Carpenter has issued a 1kg Melbourne Cup penalty to Vatuvei for his impressive win in the Grp 2 International Cup (2500m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday. The Peter Moody-trained stayer goes from 50kg to 51kg and moves to 34th in the order of entry following second acceptances. Carpenter says: "It was a strong staying performance by Vatuvei who carried 2kg less than the runner-up Rueben Percival ...At his previous start he finished eighth on the limit weight in the Cranbourne
Handicapper Greg Carpenter has issued a 1kg Melbourne Cup penalty to Vatuvei for his impressive win in the Grp 2 International Cup (2500m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday. The Peter Moody-trained stayer goes from 50kg to 51kg and moves to 34th in the order of entry following second acceptances. Carpenter says: "It was a strong staying performance by Vatuvei who carried 2kg less than the runner-up Rueben Percival ...At his previous start he finished eighth on the limit weight in the Cranbourne Cup, but he again showed his liking for an extended trip and looks a progressive stayer of the future. In April he won the VRC St Leger beating Practiced who has since won at Caulfield." Should Vatuvei fail to secure a start in the Melbourne Cup he will probably contest the Grp 3 $250,000 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) on Emirates Stakes Day at Flemington where horses balloted from the Cup are eligible for a $100,000 bonus if successful.
The Dermot Weld stable has decided against galloping Melbourne Cup contender Galileo's Choice at Flemington tomorrow, but will bring the horse to the track on Wednesday morning for a familiarisation trip. Weld has decided on a special gallop with a companion at Werribee in preparation for next week's $6.2 million race.