Kiwi Stayers Mark Twain and Trav Fight for Melbourne Cup Spots – Trifecta Summary:
- Kiwi stayers Mark Twain and Trav remain in Melbourne Cup calculations after Monday's third declaration stage.
- Mark Twain contests Wednesday's Bendigo Cup as final lead-up, sitting 25th on the order of entry
- Trav needs attrition from rivals at 29th position following disappointing Moonee Valley Gold Cup performance
Mark Twain Eyes Bendigo Cup Boost
The Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained Mark Twain heads to Wednesday's $500,000 Group 3 Bendigo Cup (2400m) as his final Melbourne Cup preparation.
Currently positioned 25th on the order of entry, the six-year-old gelding needs a strong performance to solidify his claims for racing's richest handicap.
"On his wellbeing and his work, I'd be extremely disappointed if he didn't run a bold race," James told Trackside. The trainer is seeking either victory or an unlucky placing that demonstrates Mark Twain's readiness for the Flemington test.
The Shocking gelding earned his Melbourne Cup credentials last spring when capturing the Listed Roy Higgins Stakes (2600m) at Flemington in spectacular fashion.
Despite settling three lengths last after running off at the first turn, Mark Twain produced a phenomenal finishing burst to claim victory and secure automatic entry. However, a cruel tendon injury ended his Cup aspirations just days before the race.
James remains optimistic about his charge's chances despite recent form concerns. "It's no use just making up the numbers but it's a great race if you go into it in form," he explained. "Unfortunately, his form on race day is not backing up how well I feel he is."
Trav Faces Uphill Battle
Bulls’ trainer Raymond Connors faces a more challenging path with Trav, who sits 29th on the Melbourne Cup order of entry following a disappointing ninth-place finish in Friday's Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m).
The Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) winner was expected to mount a stronger challenge but couldn't match the pace of winner Onesmoothoperator. "He had to make a big run, but he wasn't quite up to it," Connors reflected post-race.
Despite the setback, Connors believes Trav's Melbourne Cup credentials remain valid. "Flemington is a different track and the distance suits," he noted, highlighting the staying test that favours genuine stayers over the straight Flemington track.
Should Trav fail to secure a Melbourne Cup berth, the $250,000 Australian Heritage Cup (2800m) presents an attractive consolation prize for the New Zealand visitor.
Spring Carnival Challenges
Both connections face the unique pressures of competing against Australia's racing powerhouses during the spring carnival. James acknowledged the scale of the challenge facing smaller operations.
"A lot of people back home in New Zealand wouldn't realise what we take on when we bring one horse across," he said.
"Taking on the might and power of some of these big stables is a huge task. Melbourne racing in the spring, I've always said, is the toughest in Australasia."
With eight days remaining until the Melbourne Cup field is finalised, both Mark Twain and Trav need significant improvement to secure their positions in the 24-horse field.
The Bendigo Cup represents Mark Twain's final opportunity to demonstrate Melbourne Cup worthiness, while Trav's connections hope for natural attrition from higher-ranked contenders.