Written by Paul Vettise
Downdraft (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) has taken an unconventional path into Tuesday’s G1 Lexus Melbourne Cup for an international contender, but the Irish-trained stayer is so far taking it all in his stride.
The 5-year-old finished third in last Saturday’s G2 Moonee Valley Cup to sit in 24th spot for the Cup, but conditioner Joseph O’Brien didn’t want to leave anything to chance and backed Downdraft up in the G2 Lexus Hotham H.
The winner of the race is guaranteed a start and that was nailed down by Downdraft, who had to expend a minimum of energy to give his trainer another chance of Cup glory following his 2017 victory with Rekindling (GB) (High Chaparral {Ire}).
“He was on the verge of getting a run and he’s confirmed that now,” rider John Allen said. “Hopefully, he backs up well and he has got a great attitude.
“Joseph was pretty confident he can handle it all and he never looked like getting beaten.”
“Joseph was pretty confident he can handle it all and he never looked like getting beaten.” – John Allen
Downdraft raced in behind the leader and was cruising as the field fanned out on straightening and the entire surged to the front.
He was well clear with 200 metres to run and Allen had the luxury of easing down near the line for the seventh win in the career of the stayer, who is part-owned by OTI.
Downdraft (Ire) takes out the Hotham S.
“He did it easily and had something in hand, which is great for a horse that will back up in three days’ time,” OTI General Manager Shayne Driscoll said.
“The Moonee Valley Cup was run too slowly for him, he needs a more genuine tempo and he got that.
“He trotted up at the 600 metres and let down strongly. We’re glad to be with James, he’s a very good trainer and an astute judge.”
Downdraft (Ire)
Downdraft is a son of Cinnamon Rose (USA) (Trempolino {USA}) and she is also the dam of the G1 Moyglare Stud S. winner Chelsea Rose (Ire) (Desert King {Ire}), the dam of the multiple Group 1 winner Kew Gardens (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).
Carif (So You Think {NZ}), who was in receipt of 5kg from the winner, ran on well for second and Azuro (Fr) (Myboycharlie {Ire}) finished third.
