It is THE day of the Melbourne Spring Carnival, Cup Day. With Daqiansweet Junior confirmed to run in the this year’s Melbourne Cup again, after finishing sixth last year, connections are most excited to see the gelding step out.
However, many haven’t realised that a second OTI horse could also take his place in the 2023 Melbourne Cup, with the 5yo gelding Athabascan sitting on spot 26 in the ballot. A most talented stayer, who won two of his last four starts, including the Lexus CTC Cup at Randwick and the Group 3 Colin Stephen Quality two weeks later.
After a desperately unlucky run in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup last Friday, the gelding has recovered well and has accepted for the Lexus Archer Stakes on Derby Day to try and secure his spot in the Melbourne Cup. Sitting at position 26 in the ballot, with 24 horses getting into the field, Athabascan might even get into the race without having to run in the race on Saturday. With further scans and scratchings yet to be confirmed, trainer John O’Shea will wait until Saturday morning to confirm his plan.
“Very disappointing that he didn’t get to show what he had to offer that Friday night, but he pulled up perfectly. We have accepted for the Lexus Archer, but my preference would be to head straight to the Cup without having to race him again. I think if he gets a run in the Cup with the right gate and his weight (50kgs), he could be really competitive.”, said John after Athabascan’s Moonee Valley run.
See the final field for Saturday’s Lexus Archer Stakes here.
Hopefully Athabascan can secure his spot in the race and we can cheer on two OTI horses in this year’s Melbourne Cup!