Craig Williams gallops Melbourne Cup contender at Flemington

Jockey Craig Williams says what Lastotchka may lack in size, she makes up for with a stride that makes her seem much bigger.

Lastotchka and Williams took to the Flemington track at Breakfast With The Stars in preparation for the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 7.

The recent purchase by Australian Bloodstock, was the last of the international gallopers to arrive for the Cup and is being prepared for the race by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr.

Lastotchka has 51kg in the Cup and is safely in the field limit of 24.

Williams said Lastotchka was given a look at the horse stalls area, the tunnel into the mounting yard and the entrance onto the track ahead of next Tuesday’s race.

“It was beautiful out there this morning,” Williams said.

“She had simulation for race day conditions, bar having 100,000 people here.

“It was a really nice way to get introduced to her before her big day next week.”

Williams said Lastotchka may only be pony size but lengthens nicely when at a gallop.

“When I was going around, there were some seagulls on the track and the worry was they were a bit bigger than my horse,” Williams joked.

“But once you get going on her and she covers the ground in her gallop, she’s got such a good action, that she’s not a small horse when she gallops.

“But, physically, she’s a pony.”

Both Williams and Price would like a soft track for Lastotchka next week, but they realise with fine weather forecast that is unlikely to eventuate.

Williams was taken with how relaxed Lastotchka was during her time on the track.

“She was very relaxed on her own,” Williams said.

“When she’s in competition, I’ve seen in her replays, she’s good, whether or not she’s good enough come Tuesday, whether she gets her preferred conditions, is another thing.

“But she’s healthy, she’s happy, she’s going really well, and she’s really fit and ready for next week.”