Weld wary of Distinction
The Irish trainer knows what it takes to win the prestigious two-mile race after enjoying success with Vintage Crop in 1993 and Media Puzzle in 2002.
Weld is the only European-based trainer to have won ‘the race that stops a nation’ and he could be double-handed this year with Media Puzzle and Vinnie Roe.
Media Puzzle is a 7-1 shot with William Hill to reclaim the prize, while four-time Irish St Leger winner Vinnie Roe is 6-1 with the same firm.
Although Weld is “positive and hopeful” about his runners’ chances, he believes Sir Michael Stoute’s Distinction will be a tough opponent, as will the local favourite and last year’s winner, Makybe Diva.
Weld told www.theage.com.au: “The favourite is a very high-class individual and will be hard to beat and I think so will the English horse (Distinction) trained by Sir Michael Stoute.
“Sir Michael is a world-class trainer. He’s laid this horse out for the Melbourne Cup.”
Weld is due to arrive in Melbourne later today and he has not yet decided whether both horses will run.
The trainer’s son Mark has been overseeing their care since they arrived in Australia and he has warned that Vinnie Roe will not run unless the ground is on the easy side.
Recent heavy rain in the Melbourne area has eased the ground, but Weld is keen to see the horses himself before making a decision.
“I’ll know more when I see them work out on Friday morning,” he added. “Vinnie Roe wants it wet, the other fella wants it firm.”
On the betting front, Hills report some support for the Godolphin runners Mamool and Razkalla yesterday.
Mamool, who is the intended mount of Frankie Dettori, has been cut to 12-1 from 16-1, while Razkalla is 16-1 from 20s.
