Connections of True Self can’t hide their disappointment in missing this year’s Melbourne Cup field for the second consecutive year but will seek consolation in a familiar race this Saturday.
OTI Racing’s managing director Terry Henderson confirmed on Monday that True Self will attempt to defend her title in Saturday’s $200,000 Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) at Flemington.
“True Self will go to the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and she’ll be joined there by Gallic Chieftain and Haky,” Henderson said.
True Self joined Vengeur Masque in gaining an unwanted slice of Melbourne Cup history as both horses were 25th in the elimination order at the time final acceptances were taken for the 24-horse field for two successive seasons.
Vengeur Masque’s misfortune occurred in 2016 and 2017 when trained by Michael Moroney, the gelded son of Monsun later winning the 2017 Queen Elizabeth and runner-up in the 2019 Sydney Cup.
OTI Racing will be without representation in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup as the Matt Cumani-trained San Huberto compounded the agony by missing the race in 26th.
The winner of June’s Group 2 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier (3000m) at Chantilly is likely to have his next start in the $150,000 Listed Sandown Cup (3200m) on November 14 against fellow OTI runner and last season’s winner Azuro.
“Normally and especially with a horse like True Self, who was higher in the weights than last year, and San Huberto, carrying 6kg below weight-for-age would normally see you get a run in the Melbourne Cup,” Henderson said.
“But it just shows the quality of the Melbourne Cup this year is just that little bit stronger.”
Credit: Carl Di Iorio at Racing.com
