Jockey Dwayne Dunn is yet to ride a winner in the Race that Stops a Nation but is thrilled to partner Almoonqith in tomorrow’s 2015 Melbourne Cup; believing the talented import to be a serious chance of success over two miles at Flemington.
Dwayne Dunn is thrilled to partner Almoonqith in the 2015 Melbourne Cup. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
Almoonqith has been a strong and consistent performer through an impressive 21 start career so far; posting five wins and a further four minors for three different stables since first appearing on course in late 2012.
The classy Dynaformer gelding confirmed his position in the 2015 Melbourne Cup field with a blistering run for a two length win in the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on October 21st and Dunn is confident the performance points towards a competitive performance tomorrow afternoon.
“The horse is in a really good place,” Dunn told AAP.
“He’s very happy and he’s improved since the run the other day.
“He’s a little bit of a forgotten horse because everyone starts talking about the internationals.
“But I’m really pleased to be on him. I reckon he’s going to run a great race.”
As one of Victoria’s leading jockeys, Dunn is unlucky not to have saluted in the Melbourne Cup previously and is hopeful Almoonqith holds the key to unlocking the dream for both himself and the training team of David Hayes and Tom Dabernig.
“This would be the icing on the cake if I could get this horse over the line,” Dunn said.
“It’s every jockey’s dream to be able to win one.
“I’m just really happy to be involved and be able to ride in a Melbourne Cup. I’ve sat on the other side of the fence and you’re disappointed when you haven’t got a ride in the race.”
Almoonqith arguably found career-best form to date through a standout 2014 racing campaign under the guidance of Mike De Kock in the middle-east.
Charging home to win the Al Maktoum City (1600m) in January, Almoonqith placed fifth in the Potlines Trophy (2000m) and fourth in the Jaguar F Type Trophy (2000m); beating a talented field to the line in the Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy (2810m) before ending his campaign a credible sixth in the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup (3200m) in March.
Charged with carrying only 53kgs, Almoonqith has continued to receive steady support in betting markets for success tomorrow afternoon and is currently available at 2015 Melbourne Cup odds of $16 with Ladbrokes.com.au.
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