After a “frustrating” Monday, Interpretation has been cleared to run in the Melbourne Cup, and Craig Newitt has promised an aggressive ride on the $51 outsider with online bookmakers.
Ciaron Maher and David Eustace’s five-year-old presented with lameness in the near fore and in the off-hind on Monday morning.
But Racing Victoria’s vets were happy with the progress the horse had made and on Tuesday morning passed him fit to run in the race.
Newitt was excited at the news.
“He looks a really nice ride,” he told Racing.com.
“It’s been frustrating the past 12 to 24 hours, but he got the all-clear this morning and it’s full steam ahead.”
Maher and Eustace will have five runners contesting the $7.75 million staying race over 3200m at Flemington in a great achievement for the stable.
Gold Trip ($21) and Smokin’ Romans ($17) have been talked up as genuine chances for the Victorian conditioners, but Newitt believes Interpretation will also put up a good fight.
“Two months ago he was probably their No.1 seed,” he said, the stallion finishing sixth and third in the Geelong Cup and Bart Cummings from his past two starts.
“His past couple of runs have probably been a bit below par, but he probably had genuine excuses.”
Newitt said he would do this best to take advantage of the six barrier and get himself into a good early position.
“He’s drawn a good gate (six) and he’ll put himself right up on the speed,” he said.
“I think that was the reason they got me. He’ll be in the first two or three and see how we go.”
Maher was full of praise for his stable staff in their efforts to have five Melbourne Cup starters, the other two being Grand Promenade ($61) and High Emocean ($31).
“I’m feeling pretty pumped. It was a great effort by the team to get five in,” he said.
“It’s hard enough to get one in the race these days. We’ve got a lot of connections – a lot of friends, family and staff going.
“It should be a good day.
“All the horses have earned their spots in the race and they’re in pretty good form.”
Maher said Gold Trip and Smokin’ Romans were the pick of his five runners.
“You can’t really split them,” he said.
“I think Interpretation will definitely run the two miles. He’s a lightweight chance as well.
“I think it’s pretty open this year.”
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