DELPHI, the 2020 Irish St Leger Trial Stakes winner, has made it into the Melbourne Cup field following his re-handicapping to 53.5kgs after his win in Saturday’s Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes over 2,400 metres.

His 1kg penalty moved the Galileo horse from 38th to 24th in the order of entry for the A$8 million handicap.

A winner of four from five for Aidan O’Brien’s yard before being sold to clients of Anthony and Sam Freedman, this was his first Australian race beyond 2,000 metres.

He lines up over the same distance in today’s Group 1 Caulfield Cup with Damien Oliver retaining the ride.

“I think he will give it a shake because he can put himself up on the pace, he’s got no weight and he can sustain a gallop,” said 49-year-old Oliver.

Toorak Handicap (Group 1)

I’M Thunderstruck, a gelded son of the 2009 Melbourne Cup winner Shocking, finished late and fast to win Saturday’s Group 1 Toorak Handicap at Caulfield.

Taking advantage of his 52kg weight advantage the race favourite, third two weeks earlier in the Group 1 Rupert Clarke Stakes, had three-quarters of a length to spare from the Ocean Park mare Tofane and the Sebring gelding Superstorm.

“I thought it was a really brave effort the way he handled himself, even at the top of the straight we had to get a little bit physical to find clear space and then Tofane challenged late,” said jockey Jye McNiel. “He was super tough.”

Trained in partnership by Mick Prince and Michael Kent jr, I’m Thunderstruck will now target the A$7.5 million Golden Eagle for four-year-olds over 1,500 metres at Rosehill

10,000 to attend Cup

WITH Victoria on target to reach its 80% vaccination target by November 4th, the State Government announced on Monday that 10,000 would be allowed at Flemington for Melbourne Cup Day.

That figure also includes a provision for up to 1,000 owners with attendees split into five different zones. Derby Day will not have a crowd, though Oaks Day and Stakes Day, look set to get the green light.

“Whether you are a racegoer or not, whether you are a fan of that sport or not, that will be a really important day for every single Victorian to send a message to the rest of the country and indeed the world about the fact that we are open,” said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.