Melbourne Cup fancy steps out at trials

The leading stables are beginning to roll out their spring carnival big guns and Melbourne Cup fancy Goldman is among the first of the stars to hit the trial track this week.

The up-and-coming stayer is unbeaten in three Australian starts and shares early favouritism for Australia’s most famous race, alongside Royal Ascot winner Vauban.

He will make his first public appearance of the campaign in a 1000m Group Trial at Rosehill on Friday and co-trainer Adrian Bott, who also has ATC Australian Derby winner Major Beel contesting the heat, says both horses have developed physically during their breaks.

“They’ve both done really well. Goldman came over as a horse who was still furnishing and maturing, very typical of what you’d expect from the staying types coming out of New Zealand,” Bott said.

“He’s had a good break and benefitted from that and looks a lot stronger this time around.

“Major Beel, we were tempted to run him through Queensland but we opted to give him a good, long spell to give him every possible chance to come up again in the spring.

“He looks in good shape and while he’s never been a big horse, he’s done very well.”

The pair’s trial rivals will include Queen Elizabeth Stakes runner-up Mo’Unga for Annabel Neasham and Chris Waller-trained Cox Plate placegetter El Bodegon, who will be looking to rebound after a lacklustre autumn.

Waller will also have Group 1 winners Lindermann, Manzoice, Madame Pommery and Fangirl in action at Friday’s trial session.

Bott said he and training partner Gai Waterhouse were yet to lock in campaign starting points for Goldman and Major Beel with a decision likely to be made after they trial.