Fourth Melbourne Cup win not Absurde for Kerrin McEvoy

Posted by RS NewsWire at 4:40pm on October 29th

Just one outing in the saddle for Kerrin Mcevoy is enough for the three-time Melbourne Cup winning hoop to gain a good impression of Absurde towards the gelding’s second attempt at snaring Australia’s most famous race next Tuesday.

McEvoy’s trip to Werribee was the only time he will ride the Willie Mullins-trained galloper before the Group 1 3200-metre feature with the aim of bettering the seventh placing – five lengths from winner Without A Fight – achieved in 2023.

“He was nice and bright,” McEvoy said after Tuesday morning trackwork.

“He’s been with Willie an extra 12 months now and they (the stable) are giving me a really good push for the horse.”

Absurde is rated a $13 chance with betting apps for the Melbourne Cup after the announcement that the Aidan O’Brien-trained Group 1 St Leger (2916m) winner Jan Brueghel will not be a starter in the race after not passing veterinary inspections.

“He ran a good race in the Cup last year and he was hitting the front turning into the straight and stayed on to be beaten not too far,” McEvoy added.

“He’s the type of horse that if you can get switched off and relaxed, he’s got a nice finish and can stay the distance.

“Given barrier draws, we can adopt different tactics this year which might see him run a better race again.”

A warning was placed on Absurde’s racing record after last year’s event when the horse was reluctant to head to the barriers before the start despite the urgings of Zac Purton who rode him that day.

“I think last year they got him down to the 1200-metre start and then couldn’t get him back to the gates (200 metres down the track),” McEvoy said.

“This year we’ll hopefully get to the gates without turning a hair and get the handler to grab him straightaway so he doesn’t get too far from them.

“Everyone is aware that he can be a bit tricky but Dave (Casey, travelling foreman) is happy and it seems that he has grown up mentally.”

Should Irishman Willie Mullins be able to achieve his long-held ambition to win the $8.5 million feature, it would give McEvoy his fourth win in the race after Brew in 2000, Almandin in 2016 and aboard Cross Counter in 2018.

Absurde was a last start winner of the Listed Chester Stakes (2916m) in England on August 31.

More Racing News

Tough Willaidow shines bright in the Southern Cross Stakes

Purchased for just $7000 and with one leg held together by pins, Willaidow’s tenacity on the racetrack has trainer Marc Conners dreaming of big achievements. The six-year-old gelding showcased his grit once again at Rosehill on Saturday, fending off all challengers to claim victory in the Group Three Southern Cross...

Today

She’s Bulletproof does Littlefield proud in the Bellmaine Stakes

Trainer Charlotte Littlefield is not typically known for pushing her horses hard, but she had to adopt a tougher approach with She’s Bulletproof in the lead-up to a Stakes race at Sandown. The change in training and feeding regimen paid off handsomely when She’s Bulletproof claimed victory in the Group...

Today

Snitzel colt Blitzes rivals in the Canonbury Stakes

Trainer Gerald Ryan remains cautious about pursuing a Golden Slipper start with Blitzburg, despite the colt’s impressive all-the-way victory in the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday. Blitzburg ($4.80), the most experienced juvenile in the field of seven, surged ahead at the top of the straight and held on...

Today

Inkaruna bobs into 2025 Blue Diamond Stakes contention

Daniel Moor’s dedication to riding in jump-outs at training centers, often overlooked by other jockeys, has paid off in a big way. Moor secured a late booking to ride Inkaruna in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m) at Sandown on Saturday after Craig Williams was unable to fulfill his engagement...

Today

Jamie Melham getting used to new name

New York Lustre will forever hold a special place in the heart of jockey Jamie Melham after securing a thrilling victory at Sandown. Trained by Enver Jusufovic, New York Lustre delivered Melham her first win since marrying fellow jockey Ben Melham last month, triumphing in the John Moule Handicap (1200m) on...

Today

The Playwright stars in thrilling finish to win 2025 Widden Stakes

Tulloch Lodge is considering following the same path with The Playwright that led Lady Of Camelot to success 12 months ago, after the filly mirrored her Golden Slipper-winning stablemate by claiming the Widden Stakes. Lady Of Camelot won the fillies’ feature last year before finishing second in the Group 1 Blue...

Today

Fresh Ron’s Finalflutter can win Bunbury Classic 2025 says Morton

Ron’s Finalflutter kicks off her potential WA Oaks campaign this Sunday at Bunbury, and trainer Dan Morton believes she has what it takes to deliver a strong performance fresh in the Listed Greenfields Lodge WA Breeders’ Classic (1200m). “I wouldn’t rule her out,” Morton said on Tabradio. “She’s got a lot...

Yesterday

Paula Trenwith chases birthday gift at the Parks

Morphettville based Paula Trenwith could not think of a better present than that of winning a race on her birthday. Trenwith prepares a team of eight horses at Morphettville and has three runners at the Morphettville Parks meeting on Saturday, her birthday. Savatoff runs in the Happy 80th Birthday Glynn Pretty Handicap (1950m),...

Yesterday

Oh baby: Newcastle mare out to finish on a career-high

If the upcoming Rosehill meeting were scheduled just one day later, in-form mare So Newchee Thinks would be ineligible to race. The daughter of So You Think is currently in foal to Starspangledbanner, and according to racing rules, her official cut-off date for competing is February 1, which coincides with...

Yesterday

Filly out to stamp G1 Blue Diamond Stakes credentials

Trainer Dominic Sutton is prioritizing the well-being of his horse over personal ambition as Victoria’s richest two-year-old race approaches. Sutton has Sword Of Legacy among the 81 youngsters still in contention for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 22. However, Sutton, who manages dual yards at...

Yesterday