Nine 2010 Melbourne Cup nominees will jump over two races tonight in York, England, and will provide a pivotal guide into the lead up for this year’s Melbourne Cup final field.
Six races are taking place in York today, with the Group Two Lonsdale Cup (3299m) jumping second with three 2010 Melbourne Cup nominations making the final field.
Five-year-old King Of Wands is a hot favourite to claim the honours in Britain tonight. The five-year-old recently proved he has what it takes to win over the Cup distance after beating Illustrious Blue by three-quarters of a length at Sandown last month.
If the son of Galileo runs well tonight – he could be a worthwhile 2010 Melbourne Cup nomination to keep an eye on.
Despite losing to King Of Wands, the William Knight-trained Illustrious Blue went on to win the Group Two Goodwood Cup (3219m) last month. Defeating a top quality field with a stunning run, the seven-year-old is already a favourite among many 2010 Melbourne Cup followers.
Akmal is another nomination for the 150th Melbourne Cup on November 2. The lightly raced five-year-old has a strong record, but to be seriously considered for the Melbourne Cup prize will have to impress tonight.
The illustrious Ebor Handicap, the highlight of tonight’s racing, will host six 2010 Melbourne Cup nominations.
Six-year-old Martyr is one particularly strong contender for both the Ebor Handicap and the Melbourne Cup. Trained by Richard Hannon the gelding has placed in all of his last three starts, claiming full honours in the last two.
The Montjeu gelding Fortuni ran well in June and could perform well tonight prior to the 2010 Melbourne Cup. Trainer Sir Mark Prescott has been selective with the five-year-olds starts, but tonight will be pivotal.
Other 2010 Melbourne Cup nominations set to compete in the Ebor Handicap are Dangerous Midge, Darley Sun, Sopranist and Stanstill.
