GANNAWARRA Shire racing identity Jye McNeil couldn’t repeat last year’s Turnbull Stakes success on Saturday, but can look forward to opportunities in the Caulfield and Melbourne cups.
Combining again with last year’s Turnbull Stakes winning horse, Kings Will Dream, the pair finished 10th, but McNeil will ride strong chances in the famous cups double.
On October 17, McNeil, originally from Myall, takes charge of Orderofthegarter, with the Danny O’Brien-trained, Lloyd Williams-owned seven-year-old stallion one of the favourites to win the Caulfield Cup.
McNeil was recommended by the horse’s usual jockey Damien Oliver, who would not be able to make the required weight.
McNeil’s next shot at cup glory comes in the race that stops the nation, aboard the Joseph O’Brien-trained Twilight Payment.
The eight-year old gelding, like Orderofthegarter, is an Irish-born horse and is also owned by Williams.
While not close to the top line of Melbourne Cup betting, Twilight Payment is far from a rank outsider, recently listed at $34 for the win by the TAB.
Coincidentally, Orderofthegarter was also listed at $34 to win the Melbourne Cup.
However, Orderofthegarter will need to finish in the first eight of the Caulfield Cup field to qualify for a Melbourne Cup start.
The final field for the Melbourne Cup will be announced on Saturday, October 31 – VRC Derby Day.
