Saeed bin Suroor is in Melbourne again, and he says it feels like he is back home. The Victorian capital, in Australia's south, is one of the Godolphin trainer's favourite ports.
Saeed bin Suroor is in Melbourne again, and he says it feels like he is back home. The Victorian capital, in Australia's south, is one of the Godolphin trainer's favourite ports.
Saeed, has been making the trip Down Under every year since 1998. In that time, he has sent out 20 runners in the G1 Melbourne Cup, but he, and Godolphin, have yet to win it.
They have had three seconds and one third -- frustratingly close, but they have never pulled it off.
"The Melbourne Cup has always been on our agenda. It is one of the great races of the world, and it is our policy at Godolphin to have runners in all the big races.
"We haven't won it yet, but I think that just makes us keener to do it. It is the best race in Australia. We have brought better horses, but because of their good records, they have got more weight.
"Handicap weight is very important in the Cup. We are aware of that, and for that reason we have been careful in selecting the right horses to bring. We like the Melbourne Cup because of what it means in Australia.
"We like its history and prestige," he pointed out.
"Personally, I love Australia. I love the people, they are so nice. It is a great country. I enjoy every minute I am here," he added.
Saeed has three Godolphin runners entered for the G1 Melbourne Cup, but only one, Sky Hunter, is certain to get a run at this stage. The trainer has announced that Secret Number will not run on Derby Day, and he will just take his chance at declaration time. He is currently No 27 in the order of entry.
"I don't think Secret Number could run on Saturday, and then again on Tuesday. It is too quick for him. We will just hope he gets in.
"Elhaame will try to win the G3 Lexus on Saturday. Physically, he is a lot better than he was in the UK. I like him a lot," he added. "He is tough, and he can do both."
Saeed looks back on his Cup experiences and knows how frustrating it has been for him and Godolphin. "I thought we were going to win when Give the Slip ran second, and then again when Beekeeper ran third. We will keep trying," the trainer said.
For the first time, Saeed will be joined in the Cup challenge by the Australian branch of the Godolphin operation. John O'Shea is set to saddle Hartnell and, like Saeed, is awaiting the results of G3 Lexus for Havana Cooler to be given a start.
