English-based trainer Luca Cumani will saddle up improving five year old ‘Drunken Sailor’ in tomorrow's 2010 edition of the Geelong Cup.
Cumani, who trained ‘Bauer’ to win the Geelong Cup in 2008, appears confident with the ‘Tendulkar’ gelding, who is coming off a strong win in a listed 2800m race in England and boasts two wins at the Geelong Cup trip.
Drunken Sailor was given a more searching gallop than normal this morning in a bid to make up for lost time after the horse suffered a minor hoof injury last week.
"This has obviously been an interrupted preparation", said Cumani's wife, Sara.
"We wouldn't normally give them a gallop this close to a race, but we've had to do that because of the circumstances, but he seems to be fine now".
Currently a $34 chance in the Melbourne Cup, Drunken Sailor must win the Geelong Cup and earn a penalty to ensure a start, given he is currently 33rd in the order of entry. Hong Kong-based Australian jockey Brett Prebble will take the ride.
Prebble last flew down in similar circumstances to partner ‘Crystal Lily’ in the $3.5 million Golden Slipper, and went on to win that race in convincing style, a strong pointer to his chances in this race.
The Geelong Cup is one of the few remaining opportunities for horses to try and push their way into the Melbourne Cup on November 2, which recently has been used by overseas runners as an important Cup trial.
'Moudre' currently heads the market at $4.20 with second favourite 'Mr Charlie' at $7.00. Drunken Sailor is currently an $8.50 chance.
Got to race pretty handy I would think to win. Moudre is out for me though I hope it wins. Probably a race for the internationals. Maybe No Wine No Song?
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