An Irish hurdler turned flat revelation will try to emulate Media Puzzle’s 2002 spring heroics in today’s Group 3 Geelong Cup.
True Self sits at No.41 in the Melbourne Cup order of entry but would seriously advance claims to a start with victory at Geelong.
Media Puzzle was the second of master Irish trainer Dermot Weld’s Melbourne Cup winners. His first, Vintage Crop in 1993, was transformed from a hurdler to elite stayer.
Trainer Willie Mullins hopes to achieve the same with True Self, whose 18 starts have yielded eight wins, including black-type flat victories.
Dave Casey, travelling foreman for Mullins, said True Self had had an uncomplicated preparation. Casey said it was unfortunate the seven-year-old mare did not make the field for the Caulfield Cup.
“We felt the horse was up to winning it and would get in it, but there were a few who had a last-minute change of mind,” Casey said. “I think she’s in good form.
“She’s settled into a nice rhythm. She’s taken it all in since she’s been here and done everything we’ve asked of her. I think it will be a tough race but she’s there to take part and hopefully she’ll be competitive.”
The Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 5 is the aim with the weight-for-age Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) on November 9 the back-up.
“Life throws up curve balls and different scenarios and she’s progressed a nice amount on the flat,” Casey said. “So we’ll see where we are at after Wednesday. If she doesn’t get in (Melbourne Cup) we may look at the option of the Mackinnon Stakes the following Saturday.”
Apart from True Self, there are three other internationals in the Geelong Cup — Prince Of Arran, Red Galileo and Haky. Six raiders have won the Cup — Media Puzzle, Bauer (2008), Americain (’10), Dunaden (’11), Gatewood (’12) and Qewy (’16).
Media Puzzle, Americain and Dunaden all went on to win the Melbourne Cup.
