Racing: Sentire on Melbourne Cup trail after win in mud

Sentire will be aimed at next year's Melbourne Cup after he rebounded from two setbacks in the last fortnight to win yesterday's Ballarat Cup.

Ridden by Craig Williams, Sentire ($4 favourite) relished the heavy track conditions to drew clear in the straight to win by two lengths from Bowl Along ($15) with Red Riviera ($51) 1-1/4 lengths away third.

Sentire was balloted out from this year's Melbourne Cup but trainer Robbie Laing said he was an improving stayer who would be better suited for next year's race.

"He missed out by two horses to make the field this year but if he can improve and win a nice race in the autumn or winter he could line up next year," Laing said.

Sentire has struggled with his health since his last-start fourth to Kiwi Sculptor in the Saab Quality at Flemington on November 3 but with beach work Laing was able to get him up for yesterday's listed race.

He said had hoped to run him in the group three Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2500m) on November 10 but was forced to scratch him on race day when the gelding had an elevated temperature and high white cell count.

He was treated with antibiotics but had a reaction to the injection which inflamed the muscle causing him to also miss last Saturday's group two Sandown Classic.

Sentire is also nominated for next Saturday's Eclipse Stakes.

"He was never going to get beaten," Laing said.

- AAP