There will be a local connection in today’s race that stops the nation.
High Emocean has drawn barrier eight in the Emirates Melbourne Cup race.
With saddlecloth number 22 in the race, it is co-owned by Ross Taylor who called Deniliquin home for 18 years before relocating to Finley last year.
The runner’s selection in the prestigious race is a dream come true for Mr Taylor.
The six year-old bay or brown mare was bought as a yearling at a New Zealand thoroughbred horse sale, and is one of many horses Mr Taylor has bought since his first investment in a racehorse at age 24.
While High Emocean will be going up in grade to run the big race, she is certainly not considered to be without a chance of taking a place in the 2022 Melbourne Cup, even the winner’s spot.
“She’s a good mare,” Mr Taylor said.
“Class may be a factor, but if the track is heavy, she’ll show how good she is.
“She likes a softer track and although she hasn’t run 3,200m before, she’s won at 2,400m and 2500m, so we’re confident she’ll do well.”
Mr Taylor has previously had horses win Group 1 races with Golden Slipper, Blue Diamond, Oaks and two Derby winners, but would love to add a Melbourne Cup to that collection.
And that dream is now closer than ever with this mare, who won the Apiam Animal Health Bendigo Cup on October 26.
“She looks really good,” Mr Taylor said.
“She’s never backed up before, so that may be a factor, but she’s not without a chance.
“She likes to get out on the outside and have a clear run, so the barrier draw (barrier eight) is good for her.”
Trained by Cranbourne-based Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, High Emocean is one of five runners for the pair in today’s Melbourne Cup.
High Emocean is sired by Ocean Park out of High Joy and as a stakes winner who has amassed $705,635 in career earnings, she is regarded as a racehorse with above-average ability.
The Bendigo Cup is her most significant win to date, with jockey Harry Coffey on board.
Described as a tough winner, she handles wet ground, is down in the weights, in form and in what is considered the best 2,400m+ camp in Australia, so is rated a top 10 prospect.
High Emocean will be ridden today by Teo Nugent, and carries a weight of 50kg.
With career statistics of 22 starts for seven wins, five seconds and three third-place finishes, she has the Maher/Eustace polish and “is a tick for the track, ground and timing” according to a leading racing commentator.
Yesterday, High Emocean was listed at $51 in the 2022 Melbourne Cup market with a leading online bookmaker.
It said the mare definitely has a chance of winning the Melbourne Cup, as the race has a history of upset winners.