Melbourne Cup winner Gold Trip is set to make a much-anticipated return in the Group 2 Feehan Stakes at Moonee Valley on September 9.
After a recent 1200-metre jumpout at Cranbourne, trainer Ciaron Maher is optimistic about the thoroughbred’s condition.
“He’s getting there, we put the shades on him today just to help him travel through, and I think he’s come up pretty well,” Maher told Racing.com.
Despite a preference for rain-affected ground, Maher clarified that the track condition for the Feehan Stakes is not a make-or-break factor.
“He has run on top of the ground a couple of times… He handles it and pulls up okay but is just more effective when it is like that,” Maher said.
Maher and training partner David Eustace are also considering weather conditions for Gold Trip’s broader spring campaign, revealing that his “grand final” race will be weather and weight-dependent.
Gold Trip is currently listed as a $21 chance with Ladbrokes to defend his title in the Melbourne Cup 2023.