Interpretation a likely Moonee Valley starter

A new version of Interpretation is expected to make his reappearance ahead of the Spring Carnival at Moonee Valley.

Highly fancied for the Melbourne Cup last year, Interpretation failed to live up to the expectations placed on him by trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace along with the punting public.

Interpretation came to Australia to join Maher and Eustace and was set for The Bart Cummings (2500m) at Flemington in October in a bid to win his way into the Melbourne Cup.

Unfortunately, Interpretation finished third to Lunar Flare in the Bart Cummings and then took another step to win his way into Cup by competing in the Geelong Cup, finishing sixth to Emissary.

Attrition eventually saw Interpretation attain a Cup start, but he was struggling 1400m from home, eventually being pulled out of the contest.

Eustace said a thorough examination of Interpretation could find nothing wrong with the stayer, who has since been gelded.

Interpretation has been entered for two benchmark 100 races on Saturday, one over 1600m and one over 2040m with Eustace saying the shorter contest was the likely preferred option.

“He seems OK now and he’s been gelded, and the plan is to get ready for the spring,” Eustace said.

“We don’t know what happened in the Melbourne Cup. We’re still mystified by that run, and I don’t think anyone can explain it.

“He got a couple of disappointing rides leading up to the Cup which meant the whole thing was a bit of a mess by the time we got him there.

“Since he’s been gelded, he’s been a little more genuine and a bit more forgoing since.”

Interpretation has had three jump-outs and an official trial at Werribee to prepare for his return.

Eustace said Interpretation was likely to be joined by Sir Davy and Junipal in Saturday’s 1600m race.

Junipal has had two runs back after almost being retired.

He ran a first-up fifth in a heat of the Winter Championship over 1400m at Flemington before finishing down the track in the final on July 1.

“He had a nice tick-over jump-out last week,” Eustace said.

“The concern will be the ground and whether it’s got any give in it, and he won’t run if it’s a good track.

“We weren’t too disappointed with his run last time. He was second-up and he was still a bit big.

“Sir Davy, he needs to improve on what he’s done this prep.”