Large ownership group chasing 2025 Melbourne Cup dreams with Bur Dubai
The Melbourne Cup journey of Bur Dubai could take a decisive step at Flemington this weekend when he lines up in the Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m).
A win would hand the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained stayer a golden ticket into the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 7. The gelding is raced by the MyRacehorse No 1 syndicate, giving thousands of part-owners the thrill of a potential Cup runner. “There’s only around 8000 people waiting for a shot at the Cup,” Price said with a smile.
Bur Dubai has had a steady campaign to date, finishing seventh first-up at 1600m before closing strongly for second over 2040m at The Valley. “He goes to the Archer and has not put a foot wrong this time in,” Price said. “He has got a big, clean-winded tank on him that horse, and I think he’ll show up, it’s just a matter if he’s good enough. Training-wise, we are sailing through unincumbered by any issues. He’s a happy horse. He’s very fit, and he doesn’t carry a lot of body weight on him at this point of his career.”
Having won over 2514m at Chester before arriving in Australia, Bur Dubai has already proven himself at a staying trip. His local record includes a Flemington placing behind Revelare and a victory over 2500m at Moonee Valley. Price believes returning to Flemington’s bigger circuit will be a plus.
Should Saturday not go to plan, connections have the Group 3 The Bart Cummings as a fallback target on October 4.
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