O'Brien eyes Melbourne Cup record with five-strong assault

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 2 Nov, 05:02 · Archive

Irish trainer Joseph O'Brien has five runners in Tuesday's Melbourne Cup and could become the youngest to win the race three times.

Irish trainer Joseph O'Brien has five runners in Tuesday's $10.2 million Melbourne Cup at Flemington. If successful, the 33-year-old would become the youngest trainer to win three Cups in the race's 166-year history, beating the record set by Etienne de Mestre, who won his third at 35 years of age in 1867. O'Brien previously won with Rekindling in 2017 and Twilight Payment in 2020.

His main contender is second-favourite Trustyourinstinct. Other leading chances include Sons And Lovers, James J Braddock and Goodie Two Shoes, last year's runner-up, which will be ridden by Irish jockey Wayne Lordan. O'Brien suffered a blow when one-time favourite Defiantly was ruled out by vets last week.

Late call-up Kizlyar, a four-year-old gelding to be ridden by Beau Mertens, was only added to the field when Defiantly was scratched on Saturday. The horse is a $34 outsider after finishing 11th in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup on its last start. Kevin Blake, O'Brien's racing planner, said the horse's poor recent run did not reflect its true ability and that 'a typical Aussie middle distance race last time just didn't play to his strengths'.

How it is being reported

• Ireland's young gun trainer eyes Melbourne Cup historyJoseph O'Brien will break a 159-year-old Melbourne Cup record if one of his five contenders is successful at Flemington on Tuesday in Australia's greatest race.Perth Now · 2 Nov, 04:47
• Ireland's young gun trainer eyes Melbourne Cup historyJoseph O'Brien will break a 159-year-old Melbourne Cup record if one of his five contenders is successful at Flemington on Tuesday in Australia's greatest race.The West Australian · 2 Nov, 04:47
• Irish outsider given a chance after late Cup call-upIrish master trainer Joseph O'Brien has five runners in a strong Melbourne Cup hand and his outsider might just be the surprise packet at Flemington.The West Australian · 1 Nov, 16:31
• Irish outsider given a chance after late Cup call-upIrish master trainer Joseph O'Brien has five runners in a strong Melbourne Cup hand and his outsider might just be the surprise packet at Flemington.Perth Now · 1 Nov, 16:31

In this story: Joseph O'Brien · Trustyourinstinct · Goodie Two Shoes · Kizlyar · Etienne de Mestre · Flemington · Melbourne Cup

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