3 minute read
In a Spring of domination for international runners, Downdraft easily won the 2019 Hotham Handicap at Flemington on Saturday.
Joseph O'Brien has had great success on this track and did so again. He'll now head onto Tuesday.
Downdraft bolts away from the pack to win the Lexus Hotham Stakes and secures a place in the #MelbourneCup! #DerbyDay pic.twitter.com/skPgVGHKoA
— 10 Sport (@10SportAU) November 2, 2019
"Hopefully he backs up good - he'll be in there with a right chance"
— 10 Sport (@10SportAU) November 2, 2019
Downdraft jockey John Allen talks about his chances in Tuesday's #MelbourneCup after winning the Lexus Hotham Stakes #DerbyDay pic.twitter.com/zmZv1bx9vz
Shane Driscoll of @OTIRacing coldn't be ahppier with how Downdraft finished off with 59kg - he will drop in weight in the #MelbourneCup. pic.twitter.com/aVDed7UMLt
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 2, 2019
Winning Trainer: Joseph O'Brien (Terry Henderson - OTI - speaking)
"We're really delighted. We've had this horse now for a couple of years. Joseph has been extremely patient with him. It's just a great thrill for all the owners and the stable to have another horse in the Cup - a horse that's got a real show.
On Joseph O'Brien attending on Tuesday: "He's at the Breeders Cup meeting in Los Angeles at the moment but he'll be here on Monday morning.
On Downdraft having three runs in ten days including the Melb Cup: "We have no idea, they don't do this in Europe. I spoke to Joseph about it. If he had've said today to scratch then we would've scratched. He said 'don't worry about that'. He's not a particularly strong looking horse but inside he's got plenty of determination so he was happy to run him. He was confident that if he ran well today then he could back-up.
"The thing is, it was that hard a run (today). He's had a bit of a blow but it wasn't too bad."
On the possibility of Downdraft having 'flown under the radar' towards the Cup: "Oh yeah. Joseph thinks he's the best chance in the Cup. He always did. Since about July."
Winning Jockey: John Allen
On confirming a start in the Melbourne Cup: "We were on the fringe of getting a run without running today but he has confirmed it today. Hopefully he backs up good and he'll be in there with a great chance."
"He seems to have a great attitude, obviously I don't know a whole lot about him. I believe Joseph (O'Brien) was pretty confident he could handle it. The race last Saturday was only really a piece of work to him. It got him spot on for today and he never looked like getting beaten today."
Thoughts on the track following rain: "That is what I think it is about (Soft 7). This horse has no worries getting through it. Joseph and his team have him in good order. He goes in any conditions I think."
