Melbourne Cup Hopeful Sir Lucan Back On Track

Saturday saw talented Irish import Sir Lucan (5g Camelot - Sparrow, by Oasis Dream) make an impressive return to the track in the Listed Randwick City Stakes.

A Listed winner and Group-placed for Aidan O’Brien, the son of Camelot was making his first start since debuting for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott in the 2021 Melbourne Cup. Dropping back to ten furlongs, he made all of the running under Nash Rawiller and was last to come under pressure in the straight. Ridden as they entered the final furlong, he ran on strongly to score by over a length

Speaking after the race, Gai Waterhouse said, “He’s a very good horse and he’s had a long time between runs. He showed a lovely turn of foot.” Waterhouse added that Sir Lucan will now target the Listed Roy Higgins worth $500,000, with the Melbourne Cup his ultimate goal. “We’re going to grab the opportunity with both hands,” said Waterhouse. “It’s got his name written all over it.”

Now owned by a partnership that includes Aziz Kheir and GW Holdings, Sir Lucan was previously raced by breeders Coolmore partners. The son of Camelot is a full-brother to the ill-fated Sir Dragonet (Camelot), himself a dual Group 1 winner Down Under.

Another son of Camelot with major targets in mind is Dubai Gold Cup hopeful Sober (4g Camelot - Burma Sea, by Lope De Vega), who made a successful return in the Prix Bering at Chantilly.

Andre Fabre’s charge was sent off favourite on his first start since October, when he finished third in the Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak. Racing over a mile and five furlongs on Saturday, he was ridden to chase the leaders by Maxime Guyon and quickened as they turned for home. Ridden to lead approaching the final furlong, he stayed on strongly to deny challenger Behtar by a short neck, as the pair drew two lengths clear of the third.

Owned and bred by Wertheimer family, Sober proved progressive last season and was narrowly denied in the Group 2 Prix Chaudenay, before placing at Group 1 level.