Voyager sets sail for The Five Diamonds consolation
Melbourne Cup dreams for Relentless Voyager were quashed when he failed Racing Victoria’s strict veterinary tests, but connections still harbour aspirations to plunder riches north of the border.
While the gelding didn’t pass muster with RV when examined prior to leaving Europe, he was cleared by Racing NSW vets to compete in Sydney.
Trainer Ciaron Maher and his team are continuing to ready the horse for his local debut after his withdrawal from the Rosehill Gold Cup (2000m) last week and have set their sights on Saturday’s $2 million Five Diamonds (1800m) as his next target.
Assistant trainer Johann Gerard-Dubord said Relentless Voyager had taken time to acclimatise and would only line up at Rosehill if the stable was completely happy with him.
“We scratched him last week. We will see how he is and how he is doing over the rest of the week,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“He is fresh, it’s 1800 metres and it’s a good prizemoney race.”
The five-year-old, who was purchased out of Europe by Australian Bloodstock, boasts some solid form references, including a Group 3 placing over 2414m at Goodwood in August.
He also finished just behind subsequent Bendigo Cup winner Sea King and Geelong Cup winner Onesmoothoperator in the Ebor Handicap (2816m) at York at his most recent appearance.
While his best form is over further than the 1800m of the Five Diamonds, Gerard-Dubord says Relentless Voyager hasn’t been pressured on the training track and remains bright and well.
“He is a bit one-paced in his work, but you never know with the European horses,” he said.
“We haven’t done much with him, we have kept him nice and fresh and feeling good.
“The form out of the Ebor has been very good.”
The Maher stable will have to sweat on a start for their other Five Diamonds hopeful Holymanz, who is now third emergency after edging a step closer with the early scratching of Desert Lightning.
The withdrawal of the Victorian galloper has given first reserve Major Beel a chance to take his place, joining Tulloch Lodge stablemate New Endeavour in the field.
Holymanz was doing his best work late when fifth to Iknowastar in the Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m) and if he could force his way into the lineup, was expected to appreciate the distance rise.
“He found himself a long way back but just kept improving and he was very good through the line,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“The 1800 metres should be up his alley. He will probably have to be at his best, but he is very well.”
More Racing News
Draw key as Miss Hellfire pursues Hot Danish Stakes
Connections of Miss Hellfire are banking on an inside barrier draw to help her turn the tables on last start conqueror Olentia when the pair clash again in the Hot Danish Stakes at Rosehill. Having her first start for Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald, Miss Hellfire got back to last from a wide...
International races could be on the agenda for Melbourne Cup winner Knight’s Choice
Dual Melbourne Cup winning trainer Sheila Laxon believes Knight’s Choice is capable of being a performer on the world stage. Knight’s Choice won the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on Tuesday to give Laxon her second Cup success and her partner John Symons his first. It was also a first Cup success...
VRC Crown Oaks 2024 pedigree profiles
Those looking for reasons to doubt Treasurethe Moment in Thursday’s Group 1 VRC Crown Oaks might point to her sire as a factor behind their reasoning that she will struggle to run a strong 2500 metres. The Matt Laurie-trained filly is by Alabama Express, a son of Redoute’s Choice who finished...
Distance rise to favour Franz Josef in Ladies Day Cup
A rousing trackwork gallop has Gerald Ryan optimistic Franz Josef can improve on his first-up effort and play a role in the Listed Ladies Day Cup at Hawkesbury. The son of Snitzel found his rivals too sharp when finishing down the track behind Ostraka in the Silver Eagle (1300m) last month, but Ryan expected...
Champions Mile: Bates all class after Pride Of Jenni sacking
Pride Of Jenni has accepted to defend her Champions Mile crown at Flemington this Saturday and if she runs she will do so under a new rider. Ben Melham has been engaged to partner the Ciaron Maher-trained mare, with Declan Bates replaced aboard the seven-year-old. Bates won last year’s Champions Stakes and Empire Rose Stakes...
Turner and Miller Bid For Feature Race Double
Horcrux’s last start fourth in the Listed Belgravia Stakes (1200m) left jockey Jordan Turner suitably impressed and he believes it’s a strong selling point for the Simon Miller-trained galloper going into Saturday’s Listed Seacorp Fairetha Stakes (1400m). Jordan Turner was taken by Horcrux’s valiant effort in the Belgravia Stakes when he worked...
Champions Stakes or The Five Diamonds for UK galloper Docklands
UK galloper Docklands is set to have his second Australian start, most likely to be in a Group 1 race at Flemington. The Harry Eustace-trained galloper is an acceptor for the Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday while he is also one of 20 horses that were paid up for at...
Too Darn Discreet ready to go in VRC Oaks
Ballarat trainer says he would not change anything as Too Darn Discreet looks to extend her winning sequence at Flemington. The Group 1 Crown Oaks (2500m) on Thursday will be the daughter of Too Darn Hot’s fourth win on end if successful. Too Darn Discreet started the ball rolling with a maiden...
Former Jockey Relishes training triumph in Burgess Queen Stakes
Ryan Hill took a punt and he was handsomely rewarded when London’s Image won the Listed Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m) at Ascot on Wednesday. In a nail-biting finish, London’s Image led from barrier to post and withstood the surging finishes of runner-up Ron’s Finalflutter and third placegetter, Flower Of Gold. London’s Image’s shock...
Dolan scores 2024 Melbourne Cup blowout on Knight’s Choice
A once part-time jockey who flirted with a career as a musician added his name to the Melbourne Cup honour roll when he engineered one of the great upsets in the history of the great race. Ireland’s Robbie Dolan partnered betting sites $91 chance Knight’s Choice to a thrilling win in...