3 minute read

Talented three-year-old Wiggum returns to the scene of his biggest success in Melbourne on Saturday.

The Travis Doudle-trained galloper provided champion jockey Damien Oliver his final Melbourne victory when the pair saluted down the Flemington straight on Melbourne Cup Day.

Wiggum hasn't raced since he returned to Victoria in late November and was beaten into fifth placing when chasing a VOBIS bonus at Cranbourne and Doudle said the horse was going back in great order.

"I'm very happy with him, we gave him a little freshen after Cranbourne,'' Doudle said.

"He's galloped nicely since, we've kept him fresh but up to the mark,'' he said.

Doudle said they identified the Flemington race knowing the horse had been successful down the straight previously.

"We decided to try and look for another 1000m race down the straight,'' Doudle said.

"We try space his runs and target the straight races at Flemington knowing he's been there and won, not all horse handle that style of racing so it's bonus knowing he does,'' he said.

Damian Lane takes the ride on the weekend from barrier 12 and Doudle said he was hoping the wide barrier can play into their favour late in the day.

"We'll wait and see how the track is racing so drawing out there might be the spot to be late in the day,'' Doudle said.

"We've got one of the best jockeys in the world riding so that gives us some confidence,'' he said.

Wiggum clashes in Melbourne with the Gordon Richards and Damien Moyle-trained Bristler who has been placed at his past three runs in SA.

He'll be ridden by Craig Newitt hoping to continue his good association with SA horses after his success with Sghirripa in last weekend's Group 3 Standish Handicap.