While the route to get there remains uncertain, the Melbourne Cup at Flemington in November is the ultimate goal for The Map, Saturday’s Listed JRA Plate (2006m) victor.
Immediate targets include the Group 3 Lord Reims Stakes (2600m) and Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m). The Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m) or Listed Roy Higgins Quality (2600m) are potential paths, both offering ballot exemption for the Melbourne Cup.
Trainer Oopy MacGillivray expressed aspirations to Racing.com.
“In our heart and in our dreams, the thought is the Melbourne Cup this year.”
However, MacGillivray acknowledged the challenges, stating, “it is so hard to get there, with everything you have to do and the hoops you have to jump through to qualify.”
While keeping options open, MacGillivray admitted, “I suppose nothing’s off the table, but we haven’t really thought too far ahead.”
The Map is currently a +5000 chance in futures markets for the 2024 Melbourne Cup with horse racing bookmakers.
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