Melbourne Cup dream a step closer after 2025 Geelong Cup win
Royal colours and local dreams collided in a thrilling edition of the Geelong Cup, where Celine Gaudray guided Torranzino to a famous victory and sealed the gelding’s place in the Melbourne Cup field.
More than half a century after King Charles III’s schooling days in Geelong, his colours were carried proudly by Gilded Water, who finished a brave second to Torranzino ($10). The Horsham-trained stayer prevailed by half a length in the Group 2 feature over 2400m, with Berkeley Square ($7) close behind in third.
“It is so surreal,” Gaudray said. “Ever since I was a little girl I watched the Melbourne Cup – as does everybody else – and to get a ride is unbelievable and this horse really deserves his spot.”
The young jockey said Torranzino felt in control throughout. “The whole race I was giggling to myself. He was travelling really well and I thought at the 600 (metre mark) that I’d pop out and let him come into it. I had so much horse underneath me and he took me to the line.”
Trainer Paul Preusker praised the horse’s toughness, saying his fitness had him perfectly placed for the 3200m test at Flemington. The win saw Torranzino’s Melbourne Cup quote tumble from $51 to $34, as he aims to emulate the likes of Prince Of Penzance, who delivered Michelle Payne’s historic win in 2015.
Earlier, Kiwi trainer Mark Walker and jockey Michael Dee claimed the Listed Geelong Classic (2200m) with Azazel ($6.50), a son of 2009 Melbourne Cup winner Shocking. The gelding will now progress to the Victoria Derby (2500m).
Stable representative Ben Gleeson said the horse would relish the extra trip. “He toughed it out,” Gleeson said. “When I saw them slacken the pace and make it a sit-sprint, it was never going to suit this horse. He’ll love the 2500 (metres of the Victoria Derby). We bought him with that profile in mind (and) hopefully we get a strongly run 2500 and a true staying test.”
Azazel is an $8 chance for the Victoria Derby on November 1. Latest futures odds for the Melbourne Cup and Derby are available through Australia’s top betting partners.
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