Trainer Henry Dwyer says the Melbourne Cup could be a long-term target for Paradise Storm after the stayer’s dominant victory in Saturday’s Auckland Cup at Ellerslie Racecourse.
The French-bred gelding produced a powerful staying performance to win the 3200-metre feature by 6¼ lengths under jockey Joe Doyle. Dwyer said the performance opened the door for bigger staying targets back in Australia.
“We thought the Sydney Cup might be the go on the way through, but if he is qualified for a Melbourne Cup, it’s an aspirational game, so why wouldn’t you?”
The trainer said winning a major staying race overseas carried extra significance.
“Winning a cup overseas somewhere just takes it to another level,” Dwyer said. “There is so much more that goes into it and so much more that can go wrong. On a risk to reward scenario, it is just a massive thrill.”
The victory came after Dwyer originally intended to run Paradise Storm in Monday’s Adelaide Cup before opting to chase the richer Auckland feature. Rider Doyle said the gelding was travelling strongly throughout the race and responded when asked for an effort.
“Fair play to Henry, he was spot on about this horse,” Doyle said. “He said if he gets a bit chewy, he would rather I see him going with him, and to be honest I couldn’t hold him any longer.”
Dwyer said the horse handled the two-mile test well, raising hopes he could develop into a genuine international staying prospect.
The above is an excerpt from New Zealand Racing Desk’s article on Racing.com and can be read here.