Joseph O'Brien's best Melbourne Cup chances

Joseph O’Brien’s assistant trainer and race planner, Kevin Blake, joined Gareth Hall on SEN Track & RSN’s Giddy Up to discuss all things Melbourne Cup.

Blake is also an analyst for Bloodstock and works for ITV Racing as a broadcaster, having a particularly strong grasp on the race that stops the nation.

O’Brien has already won the Melbourne Cup twice - Rekindling (2017) and Twilight Payment (2020) - and ran second with Goodie Two Shoes last year.

He ran through some of O’Brien’s best chances that are headed towards the Lexus Melbourne Cup at Flemington in 11 days’ time.

Trustyourinstinct

“He seemed like he levelled off in Ireland and found his level, but since then he looks to have lifted his level again,” Blake said.

“He has got a great set of tools for the race.

“You can ride him any which way you want.

“He’s been ridden a little bit quietly ever since he has risen in trip, he travels and he quickens, loves fast ground.

“So has the right credentials.”

Goodie Two Shoes

Why is she $21 for the Lexus Melbourne Cup when she ran second in the race last year?

Blake isn’t sure, it surprised him.

“Pre-race last year (in the Melbourne Cup) we really didn’t want the rain for her, because she would gallop down the road for you.”

“She ran huge when Wayne Lordan gave her a beautiful ride from a wide draw.

“She had a bit of a hold up this year, she went out to Saudi and got travel sickness.

“That’s why her form has I suppose a bit of an Aussie shape to it … don’t worry about her last run, happy to overlook that.

“This has been her thing all year to get back here (Flemington), J.P. McManus (Owner) and his family got a massive kick out of this thing last year.”

Sons and Lovers

“There have been no chats about Sons and Lovers which surprises me a bit,” he said.

“Because The Red Sea Turf Handicap in Saudi that he won … he zipped around there.

“He travels well … and I just think he has the right set of tools for this kind of race.

“There has been no chat about him and that’s dangerous.”

Kizlyar

This import is nominated for the Moonee Valley Cup Saturday, but it is still not confirmed whether it will run or not.

“In a perfect world we’d love to go to the Cup fresh (but it may not qualify without a run),” he said.

“It could happen, but he is right along the borderline … but if he goes to Flemington his draw looks kind … he will be a big factor on the day if he goes there.”

If this horse can qualify without running Saturday, Blake suggests it can win the Melbourne Cup fresh.

O'Brien also has James J Braddock, Small Fry, Omni Man and Starford in the mix.

Watch the Blake on Giddy Up below: