3 minute read

The good fortune of winning the Andrew Ramsden Stakes at Flemington earlier in the year has afforded Oceanex the perfect build up to the Melbourne Cup.

By winning the Andrew Ramsden, Oceanex  received a ballot exemption into the $8 million Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 3. 

By taking away the need to win a race to get into the Melbourne Cup, trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr have been able to plan the right program for the mare. 

Having finished closer to last than first in her three lead up runs to a first assignment over a staying trip, Oceanex was getting the important miles into her legs leading to a Cup start. 

The one stumbling block was missing a start in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup, when third emergency, but the trainers had the back-up options in the Group 3 Geelong Cup last Wednesday and the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup on Saturday. 

With a strong international presence, Price and Kent Jnr elected for the second option and Oceanex did her bit running a three-length third to Miami Bound and Shared Ambition on soft ground at The Valley. 

"It was stand up day," Price said. 

"I thought she did stand up after having to do a bit of work early and hitting the front too soon.  

"For her to run third, beaten a short margin, was excellent." 

Both Price and jockey Dean Yendall are hoping for a wet track with Oceanex to carry just 51.5kg in the Melbourne Cup. 

"A soft track would be good for her and you can see the timing of it (her preparation) is working," Price said. 

"Like I said, it was a test and I thought she passed it no problem."