Ventura Storm’s convincing win in the Group 2 Gold Cup last weekend at Moonee Valley all but guaranteed trainer David Hayes a runner in the Melbourne Cup, but the champion trainer still thinks Jaameh might be his best chance ahead of the race that stops the nation.

“Absolutely yes, with no weight” Zahra said when asked about his best Cup chance on RSN Monday morning.

“He’s been beaten by an inch by the second favourite in the Melbourne Cup, so for me, if he pulls up well, he deserves to be right in the market.”

The six-year old Irish raider was beaten by a nose to Cox Plate fourth-placegetter Avilius during the Group 3 Bart Cummings last start.

But even with six wins to his name in 22 starts, Jaameh is at long $41 odds with Ladbrokes ahead of the Cup. If he hopes to be racing again at Flemington in four days’ time, the son of Iffraaj will need to secure a win this Saturday in the Hotham Handicap.

“I know he’s got the constitution, because after the Bart Cummings I monitored him very closely and he nearly jumped out of the paddock he was feeling so well” Zahra said when questioned on the difficulties for European gallopers backing up in such short turnaround.

“So, he hasn’t had a lot of racing, he’s had his races spaced, and the last import I had in those colours he ran Cox Plate day, Derby day and then won the Melbourne Cup, so it certainly can be done.”

Jockey Mark Zahra is likely to receive the ride should Jaameh make it to the Cup Tuesday week. If not, Zahra would once again saddle up Ventura Storm following Saturday’s success at The Valley as we await the weight penalty handed down.

“Mark will be barracking for a penalty, and because the horse raced so well for him, we’d probably like it at a half over” Hayes went on to say.

Ventura Storm has firmed from $101 into a tidy $26.00 with Ladbrokes. Jaameh remains steady at $41.00.