Godolphin trio shine in Melbourne build-up

GODOLPHIN’S Hatha Anna and Pugin were in top form in their workout yesterday as part of their continuing build-up to the Tooheys New Melbourne Cup.

They galloped over seven furlongs on turf at Sandown Racecourse, while stable companion and fellow Melbourne Cup hope Beekeeper jogged for the first time since his promising sixth in the Carlton Draught Caulfield Cup on Saturday.

Travelling head lad Tony Howarth said: ‘‘I’m very pleased with the horses. Hatha Anna and Pugin worked in good style, particularly the latter. Pugin did it all very nicely and the work demonstrated his well-being. I’m delighted with the way Beekeeper came out of his race and he moved well. Kerrin McEvoy, who rode him on Saturday, will partner him again in the Melbourne Cup.’’

Irish stayer Media Puzzle is joint-favourite in the local betting to win today’s Geelong Cup over 12 furlongs, along with promising stayer Piachay.

Trainer Dermot Weld has booked Damien Oliver to ride the former in the A 130,000 race, a Melbourne Cup qualifier for Media Puzzle after he failed to make the field Saturday’s Caulfield Cup.

Media Puzzle has 8st in the Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 5. He will carry 8st 9 lbs in the Geelong Cup

He is currently 40th on the ballot plan and a win could inspire handicapper James Bowler to penalise Media Puzzle, which would almost certainly ensure him a spot in the big-race field.

Meanwhile, Frankie Dettori has snapped up the mount on top mare Spinning Hill in the Group Two Schweppes Stakes over five furlongs at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

Patrick Payne passed up on his regular mount to focus on his Cox Plate mount Northerly. Payne, a heavyweight, has been suspended for the past fortnight, and would have to waste to ride Spinning Hill at 8st 9lbs. The ride on Spinning Hill, a multiple Group One winner and sporting an unblemished record after two runs this campaign, came about as a result of the connection between the Tait family, who race the mare, and Dettori.

Dettori is a friend of owner Sandy Tait’s son, Ollie, who worked for Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley Stud before assuming the role as manager for Darley’s Australian stud operation. Dettori arrives in Australia today and is booked to ride two horses at Moonee Valley tomorrow night.