2020 Melbourne Cup Runner Preparations

On this page we publish the planned preparations of the 2020 Melbourne Cup runners. The page will be updated as the Melbourne Cup draws closer and more information becomes public. Results of listed runners will be updated with Lew Dub’s own notes. Additionally, when nominated runners change plans for extenuating circumstances eg, the need to accumulate points for Cup qualification, a line will appear through a race name or + sign to indicate a change to original plans.

Russian Camelot: Makybe Diva 12/9/20, potentially Turnbull 3/10/20, Caulfield Cup 17/10/20 or Cox Plate 24/10/20. Comments from trainer Danny O’Brien.

https://www.racing.com/shows/spring-contenders

Russian Camelot finished 2nd on 12/9/20 in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) behind Fierce Impact. The 3 year old northern hemisphere entire travelled 3 and 4 wide for much of the race. Received time form rating of 105 on Good 4 track at Flemington with 57.5kg.

Oceanex: Makybe Diva 12/9/20, Turnbull 3/10/20, Caulfield Cup 17/10/20, Melbourne Cup 3/11/20 Comments from trainer Mick Price. May skip Caulfield Cup as a win there would result in additional weight for the Melbourne Cup.

Oceanex finished 11th of 12 on 29/8/20 over unsuitable 1400m at Caulfield. Despite being tailed off she received a Timeform rating of 105.

https://www.racing.com/shows/spring-contenders

Vow And Declare: Makybe Diva 12/9/20, Turnbull 3/10/20, Caulfield Cup 17/10/20, Melbourne Cup 3/11/20

https://www.racing.com/shows/spring-contenders

King Of Leogrance: Underwood/Turnbull, Geelong Cup. Melbourne Cup. Comments from trainer Danny O’Brien. Also stated waiting to see what kind of weight he receives from handicappers. Weights usually released early September.

Schabau: Trainer Rob Hickmott speaks glowingly of the northern hemisphere 5 yr old saying to Ben Dorries, “He’s the real deal – I’m pretty sure of that,” adding, “His lung capacity is his biggest attribute, he’s got amazing lungs the horse.” Was set for 2040m race at Moonee Valley on 22/8/20 but race was abandoned due to rain. Likely to run over 2500m before running in The Bart Cummings 3/10/20.

A quality 3rd place over 2000m on 29/8/20 at Caulfield. Carried 56kg using up fuel in early stages to get lead. Stuck on well in straight. Timeform rating of 91. Said to be running over 2500m at Flemington on 12th September.

Django Freeman: Trainer Rob Hickmott says, “I think this horse is one to watch this spring.” After spending time at Macedon Lodge (Lloyd Williams property) the 4yr old German stallion has bulked up according to Hickmott. “He has now got this amazing physical presence and has muscled up – he’s looking like a stallion now.” He will resume on 12/9/20 before racing again on 3/10/20.

Master Of Wine: Scheduled for the Winx Stakes 22/8/20. His run there was disappointing. Failed to make up ground in the straight while others did (click for video). Connections had stated Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate as priorities prior to the Winx Stakes (1400m) failure. Master Of Wine is still very prominent in Melbourne Cup markets though.

Super Girl: Had win on 26/8/20 over 1500m (Heavy8) at Sandown in return from spell. She ran in the Andrew Ramsden in May with express intentions of qualifying for the Melbourne Cup according to trainer Josh Julius.

Raced 9/9/20 at Sandown over 1800m finishing 5th of 8. She finished 4L back carrying 59.5kg on Good 4 track.

Raced 19/9/20 in the G3 Naturalism Stakes, finishing 11th of 16 5L behind Orderofthegarter. Settled well back and though given running room in the straight did not make up a good deal of ground carrying 55kg.

Cadre Du Noir: Won at 2400m (Soft7) on 26/8/20 at midweek Sandown meeting. Carried 60.5kg and won by 6.5L. Question over quality of race as the 5 year old northern hemisphere stallion received a low Timeform rating of 71.

Nonconformist: Returned from spell on 29/8/20 with scintillating run to finish 3rd in a 1400m handicap at Caulfield. He recorded the fastest final 200m sectional for that race and the 14th fastest for the day. Timeform rating of 95.

Persan: Good winner over 2400m (Good4) defeating Exemplar and others on 29/8/20. Fastest last 400m of his race and ranked 45th fastest final 200m for the meeting. Timeform rating of 81.

Orderofthegarter: Strong finishing 2nd over 2000m (Good4) at Caulfield 29/8/20. Ran fastest final 400m of his race and 37th fastest final 200m of the meeting. Timeform rating of 95. Trainer Danny O’Brien says he will head to 2000m Naturalism Stks on 18th September where the 7 year old Irish import must win to qualify for the Caulfield Cup.

Raced 29/9/20 in G3 2000m Naturalism Stakes, finishing 1st. Had a cosy run settling in box seat (1 out 1 back). At turn showed enough acceleration to clear off under 56kg and Damien Oliver onboard. Minor placegetters taking ground off in final stages. Timeform rating was 97.

Toffee Tongue: Ran 5th over 1400m on 29/8/20 at Caulfield. Earned a Timeform rating of 100.

Raced 12/9/20 over 1700m at Flemington. Finished 8th 3.3L behind in Winning Edge Presentations carrying 57kg. Settled WTMF from widest barrier and took up position 3 wide, staying there until turn when moving wider. Made up some ground and earned Timeform rating of 100.