King Charles III’s horse out to improve 2025 Melbourne Cup hopes
While King Charles III discusses world affairs with US President Donald Trump in the UK, his Melbourne Cup prospect Gilded Water will be flying the royal silks at Caulfield on Saturday.
The Ciaron Maher-trained galloper lines up in the benchmark 84 Handicap (2000m), a crucial stepping stone towards a potential tilt at the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 4.
Maher knows time is running out and the gelding must post wins to climb the order of entry.
Since arriving in Australia last year, Gilded Water has already made an impression with two wins at Kembla Grange and Randwick and a runner-up finish at Rosehill. He resumed this spring with two Cranbourne jump-outs before a sound third at Caulfield over 1800m on August 30.
“He was a very good run first-up off a very light prep and I’m looking forward to seeing him on Saturday,” Maher said.
“He’s going to have to sneak into the Cup through the back door, but he’s come through his first run really well, he’s grown up and improving all the time.
“The Caulfield Cup will probably come too quick for him but hopefully we can sneak him into the Melbourne Cup.”
To get there, Maher is eyeing qualifiers such as the Group 3 The Bart Cummings (2500m), the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m), and the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m). A Geelong Cup tilt would be symbolic, as the King attended Geelong Grammar during the 1960s.
“He needs a couple of wins, but there’s a host of those races,” Maher said.
“He’s a pretty natural stayer and it will be a matter of getting him in the best way we can.
“Hopefully we’re talking about those races. He’s a progressive stayer but things have to go right to get there.”
Those looking to back Gilded Water at Caulfield can do so through Australia’s leading betting sites.
More Racing News
Sir Kingsford's local Cups campaign begins at Morphettville Parks
A pursuit of a Melbourne Cup start has been abandoned for the South Australian galloper Sir Kingsford, who will now focus his attention on local Cup races.After securing second place in the Port Adelaide Cup at Morphettville in May, Sir Kingsford then travelled to Flemington to compete in the Andrew...
Nearco Frod seeks fifth win in a row at Sandown
The training partnership of Tony and Calvin McEvoy possesses a thorough understanding of equine development.Last year, after a period spent in the warmer climate of Queensland, Half Yours returned to claim a double in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.Half Yours is once again bound for the Melbourne Cup, with a...
Signature Scent primed for Carlyon Stakes challenge
A 1000m dash at Stakes level has been on the radar for Signature Scent for some time, according to the Ciaron Maher stable.Notwithstanding a recent failure to place in a three-year-old event, the stable sees no impediment to her contesting the Group 3 Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Sandown this Saturday.Having...
Idle Flyer's Spring Carnival Path Tested in Winx Stakes
Trainer Matthew Smith is keen to assess Idle Flyer's capabilities against top competition as she begins her spring campaign in the Winx Stakes at Randwick, with the Cox Plate looming as a potential target.After a dominant performance in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) in the autumn,...
Apocalyptic primed for Randwick return, says Berry
Just as Ninja made a statement with his Missile Stakes win two weeks ago, stablemate Apocalyptic will be on a mission to do the same when she launches her campaign in the Toy Show Quality at Randwick.Dominant in the Princess Series as a spring three-year-old, Apocalyptic performed below expectations in...
Almairac's Adelaide venture after frustrating draws
Despite a string of unfavourable barrier draws in the past week, trainer Cliff Brown is taking a calculated risk by sending Almairac to Adelaide.Almairac has faced wide gates at recent starts, including last Saturday in Sydney and Wednesday at Sandown. On Saturday, the gelding will again jump from a challenging...
Screen Icon's prospects brightened by Rosebud result
Trainer John Thompson received a positive sign from the Rosebud race, even without a runner, which has bolstered his confidence for Screen Icon's upcoming appearance in the Silver Shadow Stakes at Randwick.The recent running of the Rosebud saw Chilly Girl emerge victorious, finishing a half-length ahead of Screen Icon in...
Ceolwulf poised for spring resurgence
Trainer Joe Pride is optimistic about the return to form for Ceolwulf, a four-time Group One winner, after an abbreviated autumn campaign.The star miler, who had his spring campaign cut short after just two starts last time in due to foot concerns and a minor bleed, will make his reappearance...
Tennessee aiming for seventh consecutive win
Ciaron Maher's stable possesses a remarkable ability to nurture older mares, bringing out their best performances.One can point to the examples of Bella Nipotina and Pride Of Jenni, who continued to perform at a high level throughout their careers.Tennessee Bound, while perhaps not in the same calibre, boasts a notable...
Rosehill trials feature Headwall and emerging talent
While the Winx Stakes contest between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi is capturing attention this week, Rosehill barrier trials are also a significant drawcard as several equine stars intensify their preparations for their return to racing.Headwall, a contender for The Everest, will undertake his third trial over 900 metres in...