Matthew Smith finds his Melbourne Cup 2023 Marvel
Matthew Smith will break new ground after 20 years as a trainer when he saddles his first Melbourne Cup runner.
Eight-year-old gelding True Marvel will be Smith's long-awaited debut in Australia's great race at Flemington on Tuesday.
The French-bred galloper may not be the best credentialled galloper in Tuesday's 3200m contest, but Smith knows one thing, True Marvel will relish the distance.
"It's taken a while to get my first Cup runner, but I've probably only had one or two nominations over the course," Smith said.
"I had Attorney, he would have got in the Cup last year, but he went lame after the Geelong Cup and was retired.
"So, it's great to finally get a runner, for the owners, for the stable and for me it's a big thrill to have a runner in the race.
"You want to run in these big races, the Melbourne Cup, the Cox Plate, but it's hard to get the right horse, that's the first thing, but True Marvel, he'll run the trip,
"His run at Moonee Valley last time was good, his sectionals were as good as the winner.
"He'll be grinding away and hopefully he can finish in the top ten."
True Marvel almost caused a boilover as a $151 chance in the Sydney Cup (3200m) earlier in the year and two starts later was seen over hurdles winning at Hamilton.
After that Hamilton success, True Marvel ran third in the Brisbane Cup (3200m) before a break.
After three runs in Sydney, True Marvel made his way to Melbourne where he finished tenth in the Moonee Valley Cup.
Smith has engaged former Melbourne jockey Ben Thompson for the ride.
Thompson currently sits second on the Brisbane Jockeys' Premiership and is a natural lightweight who can ride at 50kg.
"It was hard to find a jockey, especially at the weight and when he (the horse) was around that 23, 24, 25 mark," Smith said.
"We're really happy with Ben. He's a natural lightweight rider, he's riding very well, and you want someone on the horse who wants to ride the hose and he was keen to ride him."
True Marvel is a $151 shot with online betting sites to win the Melbourne Cup.
More Racing News
Jamie Melham reflects on past and present after Sandown win
Jockey Jamie Melham mentioned feeling her age after partnering the Adelaide-based galloper Pretty Baby to victory in a Stakes race at Sandown.While Melham's career has since soared to greater heights, she fondly remembers guiding Louisiana to a win at Strathalbyn in 2016.Louisiana, the dam of Pretty Baby, delivered an impressive...
Decorum's Group 1 aspirations after Randwick triumph
Following an impressive return to racing at Royal Randwick on Saturday, trainer Michael Freedman has indicated that the Epsom Handicap and the Golden Eagle are potential spring carnival targets for the promising horse, Decorum.While these might seem like ambitious Group 1 aims for a four-year-old still competing in restricted grade,...
So You Are breaks through for stakes success
After finishing second on two occasions to The Budgiesmugla during the winter months, the capable stayer So You Are finally celebrated a victory in the Drinkwise Cup at Randwick.So You Are ($3) raced prominently throughout the Listed event and was left to lead before the final turn, maintaining a strong...
Ernaux's potential realised after Royal Randwick win
The $3 million mare Ernaux is starting to fulfil her promise, earning another season of racing following her recent triumph at Royal Randwick.Conditioned by Chris Waller and expertly guided by James McDonald, Ernaux enjoyed a faultless run to secure a strong victory in the Laurel Oak Supporter of NJT Handicap...
Lord Remlap powers to Highway win, eye on Kosciuszko
Emerging country sprinter Lord Remlap has significantly boosted his Kosciuszko credentials, maintaining his undefeated run with a determined Highway Handicap victory at Randwick.The four-year-old firmed in betting to $8 for the upcoming feature race after extending his winning streak to four on Saturday, overcoming a challenging wide run from his...
Cavalry Girl eyes Moir Stakes repeat of history
History favours Cavalry Girl as she prepares to extend her winning sequence in the Group 1 Moir Stakes.Since the Moir Stakes was rescheduled to an early September date in 2024, both subsequent champions, Baraqiel and Mornington Glory, had achieved victory in the Carlyon Stakes (1000m) beforehand.Cavalry Girl captured the Carlyon...
Sandown Stakes race sees Maher fillies renew rivalry
The Ciaron Maher stable recently secured a top four finish in a maiden race held at Sandown.Two of the horses from that race are now set to compete in a Stakes race at Sandown, aiming to continue the successful run for the Maher stable.Saintly Dancer and Ghana's Akan, who finished...
Thebudgiesmugla seeks to maintain perfect distance record
A prominent contender in metropolitan races, Thebudgiesmugla has an impeccable record of five wins from five starts over 2400 metres and is aiming to extend this streak to six in the Drinkwise Cup at Randwick.This six-year-old gelding was one of the notable performers of the off-season, achieving victory in three...
Blind Raise commences Caulfield Guineas pursuit at Sandown
The connections of Blind Raise harbour aspirations for the colt to be a prominent contender in upcoming spring features, with his campaign set to commence at Sandown.The colt is slated to run in the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1300m) on Saturday, a race that could potentially lead to a Group 1...
Green Spaces on track for spring success after Derby win
Despite being the early favourite for the Caulfield Cup and expected to excel at longer distances, jockey Rachel King believes Green Spaces has the potential to surprise in the Chelmsford Stakes at Randwick.The Australian Derby winner showed a good late surge when finishing eighth in the Winx Stakes (1400m) last...