The Group 3 Bendigo Cup is one of the few Country Cups that has eluded OTI over the years.
But the team will look to change that in the 2020 edition when Haky and Inverloch line up in the race over 2400m on Wednesday afternoon (Race 7 – 4:00 pm).
Haky will contest the race for Archie Alexander with in-form hoop, Jamie Kah riding from barrier 8.
While his spring preparation has been below expectations, Alexander believes he is in great form after a three week freshen up at the beach.
“I don’t think I have ever seen the horse look as well,” Alexander commented on Monday afternoon.
“He looks brilliant. We’ve been very happy with him at home. His track gallop last week was incredibly good, probably the best bit of work I’ve seen him do this prep.”
We’re pleased with his progress and are optimistic that he will bounce back to form in the race. As it stands, Haky is currently 37th in the order of entry for the Melbourne Cup. We’re ambitiously hoping a victory in the Bendigo Cup could provide him with a weight penalty to potentially secure a start in the coveted race on the first Tuesday of November.
Inverloch will also step out in the race, for Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young. The Fastnet Rock gelding backs up from his tough 2nd at The Valley last Friday night.
The stable reported that he has come through the run in fantastic order and Busuttin commented that the seven-year-old is “bouncing around and acting like a two-year-old.”
With Michael Dee riding him from barrier 2, we’re expecting him to be very competitive and figure in the finish.
Best of luck to our connections!