English hurdler Qewy looks like gaining a spot in the Melbourne Cup after a tough all the way win in the Group 3 $300,000 Geelong Cup (2400m) at Geelong today.
Qewy, royal blue colours above, holds off a determined finish by Grey Lion, to win the Geelong Cup at Geelong. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.
The win by Qewy over the 2400m of the Geelong Cup qualifies him for the Group 1 $6m Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on the first Tuesday in November.
Winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy took the Charlie Appleby trained English raider straight to the front and Qewy ($4) was able to hold off a determine challenge by Grey Lion ($6.50) to record a long head with his stablemate Oceanographer ($2.90 favourite) coming from last to be three quarters of a length away in third spot.
All three placegetters could clash again in the Melbourne Cup after fulfilling the first qualifying condition which reads since 1 February 2015 inclusive, won or was placed 2nd or 3rd in an internationally recognised Group or Graded flat race run over 2300 metres or further; OR won or was placed 2nd or 3rd in the Queensland Derby, Queensland Oaks or Brisbane Cup.
Qewy had established himself as a strong stayer back in England, mixing his racing over the jumps and on the flat, and before today he last visited the winner’s stall when victorious in a 3319m Hurdle at Newbury in February 2015.
Travelling stable representative James Ferguson said he now hoped that the Godolphin owned seven year old would make his way into the final twenty-four horse field for the Melbourne Cup.
“I hope so now. That is the plan and we will see what happens,” James Ferguson said.
“At the moment if he goes up enough (in order of entry) and he gets in I am pretty sure he will run.”
Ferguson gave McEvoy a wrap for a great front running ride which he rated to perfection.
“I told Kerrin to just go. He stays all day, dropping back in trip,” Ferguson said.
“He has given it a beautiful ride and Ben (Melham) has given Oceanographer a brilliant ride, he has come third.”
“It is great for Sheik Mohammed to have a winner here and it is brilliant for the whole team and Charlie at home.”
If Qewy makes the final Melbourne Cup field he will be trying to emulate the feats of Geelong Cups winners Media Puzzle (2002), Americain (2010) and Dunaden (2011) who all went on to win the Geelong Cup – Melbourne Cup double in the same year.
