An interesting morning of work at Werribee on Friday with some rival trainers nominating who they think are the biggest dangers.
LUCKY NINE: A quiet morning just walking around the track. Track rider gave a very positive nod to indicate is opinion of this sprinter’s progress. (Next run: Group 1 VRC Sprint Classic, 1200m, 9 November)
DANDINO: Track rider Paul Francis said Dandino was just having a walk around the parade ring this morning for a planned light morning. (Next run: Emirates Melbourne Cup, 3200m, 5 November)
SIMENON: Walked and trotted a lap to start off. Then cantered about three-and-a-half miles. The first lap was a light canter, the second about half pace with the third just an easy canter. Come Cup Day he’ll certainly have the miles in his legs and Verema’s trainer Alain de Royer Dupre said he impressed with the way he looked. (Next run: Emirates Melbourne Cup, 3200m, 5 November)
SIDE GLANCE: Cantered for a mile this morning. Recapping track rider Leanne Masterton’s comments from yesterday that he is well enough for them to proceed to Flemington. (Tomorrow: Race 5 Group 1 MacKinnon Stakes, 2000m)
MULL OF KILLOUGH: Walked and cantered a circuit from the mile-marker this morning. Was pushed to the line in a nice in a nice strong piece of work. (Next run: Listed Melbourne Cup Day Plate, 1800m, 5 November)
RUSCELLO: Cantered over just a mile today in preparation for tomorrow’s run. Trainer Ed Walker has maintained that the horse may be racing above his class on paper but he was tested last time, stood up somewhat and will see how he goes tomorrow. (Tomorrow: Race 3 Group 2 Lexus Stakes, 2500m)
FORGOTTEN VOICE: Walked and trotted a lap of the track then cantered over 1400-metres on two occasions. (Next possible run: Group 2 Queen Elizabeth Stakes, 2600m, 9 November)
BROWN PANTHER: With his main work all done, Brown Panther just cantered over a mile this morning. Quickly onto the track and quickly back in as per the usual pattern. (First run: Emirates Melbourne Cup, 3200m, 5 November)
RED CADEAUX: A stronger session from this grand campaigner. Began with a slow canter from the mile and then another lap of the course clicked up from 800-metres. Hear more from trainer Ed Dunlop here.(First run: Emirate Melbourne Cup, 3200m, 5 November)
STIPULATE: A canter over a mile or so from this Hayes trained horse. Looks to have pulled up well from the faster work session this morning. (First run: Group 1 Emirates Stakes, 1600m, 9 November)
MOUNT ATHOS: Led off from the 1400-metres be the lead pony with just a hack canter around the circuit. Luca Cumani seems very comfortable with where his horse is at. (First run: Emirate Melbourne Cup, 3200m, 5 November)
DUNADEN: Just a slow canter around the circuit today. Track rider Mathieu Brasme continues to be pleased with the horse even accounting for his age and stage. (First run: Emirates Melbourne Cup, 3200m, 5 November)
HAVANA GOLD: A quiet morning for Dunaden’s stablemate with eight days until his first run. (First run: Group 1 Emirates Stakes, 1600m, 9 November)
VEREMA: Walked and trotted a lap of the track of the track with Dunaden. A relatively quiet morning which has been the consistent theme but trainer Alain de Royer Dupre says that is the way she works generally. He is pleased with her condition and believes she has the speed and stamina to be a suitable horse to run in the Cup. (First run: Emirates Melbourne Cup, 3200m, 5 November)
TRES BLUE: With Tommy Berry aboard once again, this horse did a slow canter over a lap then half pace from the mile a second time. Gai Waterhouse was beaming and Berry said that the progress is just where they want him to be. (First run: Emirates Melbourne Cup, 3200m, 5 November)
CARAVAN ROLLS ON: Just cantered a lap of the course this morning. The stable staff also continue to be satisfied with his progress. (First run: Lavazza Long Black 2800m or Emirates Melbourne Cup 3200m, 5 November)
VOLEUSE DE COUERS: Cantered over about two miles today with a stronger hit out on the second occasion. Mike Moroney noted that today’s outing was slightly quicker than yesterday and Moroney is open minded as to whether he does anything more with her over the weekend. (First run: Emirates Melbourne Cup, 3200m, 5 November)
ROYAL EMPIRE: Just a walk around the parade ring this morning. Saeed bin Suroor seemed very comfortable with the horse today. (First run: Emirates Melbourne Cup, 3200m, 5 November)
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