Godolphin’s tough English stayer Qewy could have cemented his place in another Melbourne Cup with a hard fought win in the Group 3 $300,000 Jayco Bendigo Cup (2400m) at Bendigo today.
Qewy, above winning the 2016 Sandown Cup, returned to Austarlia to win the 2017 Bendigo Cup. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.
The Charlie Appleby trained Qewy finished fourth to Almandin in last year’s Group 1 $6.25m Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington and the Newmarket trainer will monitor how Qewy has pulled up before confirming a start in ‘The Race That Stops A Nation’ next Tuesday.
Qewy was sent out as the $2.50 second pick and after having a quiet run in fourth position in the small seven horse Bendigo Cup field, was able to circle the front runners and then hold the late challenge of the $2.40 favourite Kiwia to secure a head win in track record time.
The Robert Hickmott ($9.50) trained Foundry was just over four lengths away in third spot.
Qewy’s win today made it back to back Bendigo Cup wins for the Appleby stable after they saluted with Francis Of Assisi last year.
Travelling foreman Chris Connett said he would make contact with Appleby in England before a final decision was made about Qewy running in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup.
“That’s the decision. I will speak to Charlie, make sure he pulls up fine and Charlie will have a think,” Connett said.
“The second horse is a nice progressive horse. We are very happy and make sure he pulls up fine and we will make the decision after that.
“It is great to be back here at Bendigo, especially after last year, and Qewy to go and win like that it was great.”
“There was a couple of moments when there was heart in mouth. He stays all day.”
“The horses have flourished down here and Qewy especially, the last couple of weeks he has really started to blossom.”
Winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy who also rode Francis Of Assisi to victory in last year’s Bendigo Cup, said Qewy put in a tough effort and wouldn’t be out of place running in another Melbourne Cup.
“Pleased to see him back onto his best form and win here today,” McEvoy said.
“Kiwia chased me and we were too strong.”
“It’s a big call to run in the Melbourne but it’s up to Charlie and he has to be a top ten chance at least in the Cup.”
“He lacks a bit of brilliance, but he stays well and tries hard.”
Qewy finished fourth in last year’s Melbourne Cup after winning the Group 3 $300,000 Geelong Cup (2400m) at Geelong and then went on to win the Listed $150,000 Ladbrokes Sandown Cup (3200m) at Sandown.
Qewy is currently number twenty-two in the order of entry for the 2017 Melbourne Cup which will have a final field of twenty-four and is currently rated a $26 chance with Ladbrokes.com.au.
