Melbourne Cup 2025 ambitions for Relentless Voyager
Australian Bloodstock’s Relentless Voyager is shaping as a genuine Melbourne Cup contender after a strong performance to win the Travis Harrison Cup at Moonee Valley.
With 61.5kg on his back, the Ciaron Maher-trained gelding, partnered by Mark Zahra, proved his toughness over 2040 metres. The six-year-old has campaigned in England, Italy and Australia, and Maher — who captured the Cup in 2022 with Gold Trip for the same owners — is again eyeing Australia’s most coveted race.
“That was a fair bit of weight today and we think that once he gets up in trip he should improve and his exposed form tells you that,” assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said. The stayer’s credentials include a placing in the Group 3 Glorious Stakes (2414m) at Goodwood last year.
“He’s just starting to show his true colours now as his fitness builds. Next start, going further, we expect him to improve again.”
Neasham stable runner Nellie Leylax ($3.70) led for much of the race before Relentless Voyager ($8.50) sprinted late to win by 1¼ lengths, with Sayedaty Sadaty ($2.90 favourite) ¾ lengths away in third.
Both Maher-trained runners will head towards the Group 3 The Archer (2500m) on September 13 at Flemington, which offers an automatic Cup berth.
“Hopefully the timing comes together for spring. This has been a great starting point for many of our better stayers, and I’m sure he’ll be among them,” Turnbull said.
“He is right up there with our top stayers at the moment,” he added.
Following the win, Relentless Voyager is now a $18 chance for the Melbourne Cup on November 4.
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