Lee and Anthony Freedman penned in the Group 1 Australian Cup as Tom Melbourne’s third-up run, but that’s the only part of the plan that’s gone smoothly. The gelding has enjoyed little luck in his two lead-up runs at Caulfield, going to the line largely untested in both outings.
Tom Melbourne was purchased in December 2014 after an ultra-impressive debut win at Dundalk, Ireland. Terry Henderson was fortuitously in Europe at the time, quickly pouncing on the opportunity to secure the son of Dylan Thomas for OTI’s partners.
Tom Melbourne’s extraordinary 2016 Listed Albury Cup win shot the gelding to prominence and ever since expectations have been set very high. Although winless in the Spring Carnival, Tom Melbourne was brave in two bold, front-running performances during the VRC’s Cup Week.
Based at the Freedman’s Pinecliffe base this campaign, Tom Melbourne has thrived. The 6YO looks magnificent and has continued to work strongly, justifying the decision to run in the Australian Cup.
Glen Boss is flying out from Singapore to reacquaint with Tom Melbourne this Saturday. Boss, who has partnered him on five occasions for three wins and a second, has a strong affiliation with the horse.
The 2000m at Flemington is the ideal scenario for Tom Melbourne, a free-rolling galloper who resented racing in the herd at Caulfield. Glen Boss will take a positive approach into the race and we look forward to seeing him put his best foot forward on Saturday.
There’s no greater thrill in racing than competing at the highest level and it doesn’t get any better than Group 1 racing at Australia’s racing headquarters, Flemington. OTI wishes its partners the best of luck with Tom Melbourne in the Australian Cup on Saturday.