Horse Meydaan in line for 2025 Melbourne Cup honours

Simon and Ed Crisford have returned to Melbourne with another genuine stayer in Meydaan, as the UK stable chases further success in the Melbourne Cup.

The pair are well-acquainted with Cup preparation, having previously travelled Without A Fight to Australia before he went on to win the Cup the following year.

They also campaigned West Wind Blows, who was runner-up in the Caulfield Cup in 2023. Their latest runner, Meydaan, is now ready for his turn in the spotlight.

Meydaan was ninth in the Caulfield Cup (2400m) and continues toward Tuesday’s 3200m test, to be ridden by champion jockey James McDonald.

McDonald has been regularly visiting Werribee to partner the stayer in his key lead-up gallops.

Ed Crisford is confident the horse has improved since the Caulfield run.

“The horse is great. He’s woken up a bit. He looks fantastic,” Crisford said.

“Genuinely, he’s really spot on.

“James has come in and ridden him in a couple of breezes and was very happy with the horse.

“His condition is good, his weight is good.

“He’s got the 22 spot, that’s not ideal, but hopefully on a wet track, being on the outside is better than being on the inside.”

Rain may play a critical role in the final Cup conditions.

“I think he prefers some softer ground than firmer ground,” Crisford said.

“If it goes heavy, I don’t know. We’ll have to see, but if it’s soft, I think we’ll be OK.”

The move to secure McDonald followed owner Sheikh Al Maktoum’s preference for a locally based rider.

“The owner always said he wanted a local jockey and he (McDonald) was available,” Crisford said.

“We’ll have to leave it up to James now, there’s nothing we can do from that draw.”

If you’re backing Meydaan or any Cup runner, take a look at the latest markets and bonus offers at Australia’s top betting sites before placing your bet.