Watching athletes at the peak of their powers is what makes world-class sport so compelling and, for more than two decades now, Ryan Moore has been operating at a level reserved for only the best of the best.
His consistent excellence bears comparison with the greats of other sports – Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Tiger Woods and Usain Bolt, to name a few – while his quiet, retiring nature sets him apart as a modest champion.
Ryan’s performance at the Breeders’ Cup meeting at Santa Anita at the weekend was a reminder of why he is so highly regarded around the world with a sublime ride on AUGUSTE RODIN in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf, while his display on UNQUESTIONABLE predictably drew plaudits from the critics – as did his losing ride on WARM HEART.
In a world where air travel allows jockeys and trainers to move between continents between meetings, Ryan finds himself at Flemington today (Tuesday, 7 November) for the G1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) to ride Willie Mullins-trained VAUBAN.
Having ridden 187 Group 1 winners, with five of those elite successes coming in Australia – famously the 2014 Melbourne Cup on PROTECTIONIST for Andreas Wohler – Ryan is aiming to continue a remarkable season with more success at Flemington.
With LONGINES Hong Kong International Races looming next month, Ryan has already partnered Group 1 winners this year in England, Ireland, France, the United Arab Emirates, Australia and the United States.
The most famous race in the Southern Hemisphere is the Melbourne Cup and today marks the 163rd running of the race. It is carded as S3-4 at 12pm and is run over 3200m.
Irish trainer Willie Mullins has had four runners finish in the top four over the last 10 years but is yet to win the race. He goes into today’s race with favourite VAUBAN and Ebor Handicap winner ABSURDE, to be ridden by Zac Purton.
VAUBAN demolished his opposition at Royal Ascot in June, where ABSURDE ran second. He then subsequently won a Group 3 race in Ireland before travelling to Melbourne. He worked brilliantly at Flemington last week and has an ideal draw. VAUBAN is my win and place selection. Last year’s winner GOLD TRIP will give weight to all his rivals as he did last year. He looks in even better form going into the race this year winning the G1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m), three runs back and then last start was fifth in the Cox Plate (2040m) behind ROMANTIC WARRIOR. GOLD TRIP will be ridden by James McDonald and is a place chance.
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