King’s horse chasing 2025 Melbourne Cup start at Geelong

Trainer Ciaron Maher is weighing up his options with Gilded Water, who remains on track for the Geelong Cup (2400m) on Wednesday but has a safety net entry in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) two days later.

Forecast damaging winds and up to 15mm of rain could impact the Geelong surface, though Maher is leaning toward running the horse there if conditions hold. “If the weather stays, he will run at Geelong,” Maher said. “He’s got no weight, looks well-weighted, and he’s in great order.”

The royal-owned stayer, raced by His Majesty The King, must win either race to guarantee a start in the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 4. Both events offer ballot exemptions to the winner.

After setting a bold tempo in The Bart Cummings (2500m) and holding on gamely for third, Gilded Water has been fitted with a norton bit to help him settle. Declan Bates will take over the ride from Jamie Kah.

“He’s grabbed the bit before, but I think the change will help him relax,” Maher said. “He’s a big, strong horse who’s improving all the time and has that touch of class about him.”

Maher said the stable remains confident Gilded Water can measure up in the Cup lead-up. “He’s got the right profile — strong, fit and with no weight,” he said. “He needs to win to secure his spot, but I’m confident he can.”

While Bates is known for his aggressive riding, Maher said Gilded Water won’t necessarily lead. “He’s drawn four, so we’ll see how the race unfolds. He doesn’t have to make the running,” he said.

Gilded Water sits atop Geelong Cup betting at $2.20 ahead of Onesmoothoperator, last year’s winner, who is again chasing a ticket into the Melbourne Cup.