2024 Listed Roy Higgins Stakes winner Mark Twain is scheduled to fly to Australia on Wednesday to continue preparing for a hopeful Melbourne Cup appearance in November.
Mark Twain has endured a long rehabilitation program following the tendon injury that cruelled his 2024 Cup dreams. He has worked diligently at Matthew Williams’ Warrnambool property and, since June, has been back with Roger James and Robert Wellwood in NZ. An exhibition gallop at Te Rapa in late July preceded a first-up race return at the same track on August 9. Finishing at the tail of the field, his last 200m was certainly his best.
Mark Twain first-up this preparation at Te Rapa (NZ).
Mark Twain’s program in Australia will likely commence at The Valley on Saturday through the So You Think Stakes over 1500m. The race may have a Melbourne Cup flavour, with reigning champion Knight’s Choice set to return.
A positive performance at The Valley on Saturday likely leads Mark Twain to the 2000m G3 Naturalism Stakes on September 20, with a longer-term view of contesting the G3 The Bart Cummings at Flemington on October 4, where he will chase the all-important Golden Ticket to the Melbourne Cup.
Should Mark Twain need the additional run, or still need to meet qualification status, races such as the Geelong Cup, Moonee Valley Cup and Bendigo Cup will be considered later in October.
However, the Bart Cummings at Flemington will be his first real test, and we hope to see signs of a return to the form that won him the 2024 Roy Higgins at the same track.
Mark Twain wins the 2024 Roy Higgins.