Racing: Sheikh sets sights on Melbourne Cup

Dunaden's prospects of returning to Australia to attempt back-to-back victories in the Melbourne Cup are slim, but owner Sheikh Fahad al-Thani could have as many as three horses in the A$6 million handicap on November 6, reports the Australian.

Bloodstock agent David Redvers told Radio Sport National on Tuesday that he had just bought a stayer from the Aga Khan to aim for the Melbourne Cup.

Vadamar ran seventh in the Epsom Derby last June and finished 10th to Dunaden in the Hong Kong International Vase in December, but in between won a group two race at Longchamp in October.

His only start this year and his first as a 4-year-old was in April, running second to stablemate Giofra in the group two Prix d'Harcourt (2000m) at Longchamp.

I want to guarantee you, come what may, we'll have a runner in the race," Redvers said from England.

"We've probably got two or three horses that are all possibilities and one thing is for certain, Sheikh Fahad said when he was over there last it's the best race in the world, and he wants to win it again and again."

Redvers said a "logistical decision" would be made on a trainer for Vadamar. He might remain with his current trainer, Alain de Royer-Dupre, who won the Melbourne Cup with Americain in 2010, or he might join Dunaden's trainer, Mikel Delzangles.

Dunaden resumed over the weekend in England, finishing third in the Jockey Club Cup (2400m) at Newmarket, beaten almost six lengths. Redvers said the chestnut would benefit from the outing, and 2400m would be the flavour this campaign.

"The big problem is we know the handicapper is going to wallop weight on him," Redvers said. "Although he is a bigger, stronger horse than he was last year, it's still a huge ask to win with top weight."

- AAP