Freedman delays Diva decision
Trainer Lee Freedman insists a decision on Makybe Diva’s participation in the Emirates Melbourne Cup has yet to be made – despite a pleasing workout on Thursday morning.
Glen Boss rode the ante-post Cup favourite at Freedman’s Mornington Peninsula property and expressed his satisfaction with the eight-year-old’s progress.
However, Freedman is adamant people are getting “ahead of themselves” by assuming his star mare is a definite starter for the two-mile contest.
He said: “She won’t not run because of her weight or the opposition.
“I just want to make sure it is right for the mare and that the track conditions are okay.”
Meanwhile, Royal Ascot at York winner Cape of Good Hope returns to the track Down Under on Saturday.
The seven-year-old gelding, victorious in the Group One Golden Jubilee Stakes when beating Galeota a head on June 18, tackles 15 rivals in the Group One Seppelt Salinger Stakes at Flemington.
“I could not be happier with Cape of Good Hope and he’s drawn 14, which I’m happy with,” said trainer David Oughton.
“He was disappointing in Japan in the Sprinters Stakes (he finished 11th behind Silent Witness) last time but I hope we can make amends back in Australia.
“The horse has an iron constitution and generally raises his game away from Hong Kong.”
