As a previous pointer to G1 Melbourne Cup success through the deeds of Dunaden (Fr) (Nicobar {GB}) and Americain (Dynaformer), the internationals once again lined up at Geelong, with four of the eight starters in Wednesday's G3 Geelong Cup (2400m) having their first start on Australian soil, looking to earn a penalty and gain their way into Australasia's greatest staying contest.
Since Bauer (Ire) (Halling)'s Geelong Cup success in 2008, only one victory has been recorded by a non-international-bred and the 2016 edition of the race provided another.
With Godolphin saddling up two runners in the race, it was Charlie Appleby's Oceanographer (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) who took race favouritism ahead of stablemate Qewy (Ire) (Street Cry {Ire}), with Matt Cumani's Grey Lion (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), a last-out last of eight in the G2 Prix Kergorlay, next in the betting. When the barriers opened, Oceanographer was snagged back in the tail of the field, while Kerrin McEvoy aboard Qewy headed to the lead, but was tracked every inch of the way by Katelyn Mallyon aboard Grey Lion.
Positions stayed constant until just before the final bend, when Ben Melham aboard Oceanographer asked for an effort, as the 5-year-old commenced his run to put himself into a challenging position. Although Grey Lion tried his best, he was unable to find enough fight to overhaul Qewy as McEvoy urged his mount to the line for a long-head victory, with a further three-parts of a length back to Oceanographer in third, while Kinema (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) stayed on well for fourth, giving the internationals the first four over the line.
Likely to receive a penalty for his winning performance, hopefully lifting his position in the order of entry for the Melbourne Cup (3200m), McEvoy said he thinks Qewy possesses the attributes that could see him competitive in the Cup.
“He lacks a quick change of gears, but he's very genuine and honest,” McEvoy told Racing.com. “My fellow never let the other horse [Grey Lion] get any closer than a head. He was quite adamant he wanted to win, my horse. Obviously he stays further than that, too, so the Cup's a viable option now and he's got a good each-way chance in it I think, too.”
Connections of both the Grey Lion and Oceanographer indicated their runners would also press on towards a Melbourne Cup start on Nov. 1.
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