Trainer Archie Alexander expects a truly run race at Flemington will suit his stayer Teewaters.
Archie Alexander will know more after Teewaters runs at Flemington whether the Melbourne Cup is a dream or could become a reality.
While The Sally Chirnside (2500m) on Saturday may not be a qualifier for the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 1, the race will tell Alexander whether to have a shot at The Bart Cummings (2500m) on October 1 with the stayer.
“I think this will be a good test to see whether he goes along The Bart Cummings, the Bendigo Cup, the Geelong Cup path and if he’s not good enough, there’s still plenty of other races,” Alexander said.
“He’s nominated for the 2022 Melbourne Cup, so the Bart Cummings is race that will get him in, but there’s plenty of good prize money around the edges.”
Teewaters scored at Caulfield two starts ago, over 2400m on July 23, before running sixth behind Horrifying over 2530m at Flemington on August 6.
Alexander said the race that day did not work out for Teewaters which suited those horses on speed.
“He was really good two starts ago but he didn’t get the best of rides last start,” Alexander said.
“They stacked-up midrace and he’s a horse that, as we saw at Caulfield, he really needs to get going.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he comes back and runs a big race on Saturday.”
Alexander expects a more truly run race with a capacity field of 16 runners this time around.
And the trainer said he will be instructing jockey Declan Bates to make full use of barrier one.
“From barrier one I think we’re going to have to be more forward in the big field,” Alexander said.
“He stays well, so what is the point of going back on a stayer and he’s in good form.
“But it’s a tough race. You’ve got an English Derby winner (Serpentine), a Melbourne Cup winner (Vow And Declare) and it’s not even a stakes race.”