South Australia’s standout stayer, The Map, kicks off her Melbourne Cup campaign this Saturday in the Listed Leon Macdonald Stakes at Morphettville.
Trained by Dan Clarken and Oopy MacGillivray, the six-year-old mare aims to build on her impressive autumn form, highlighted by her victory in the Andrew Ramsden Stakes at Flemington in May, which secured her a golden ticket into the Melbourne Cup.
The Map returns to racing with high expectations. Her win in the Andrew Ramsden was especially poignant for MacGillivray, coming shortly after the passing of her father, who was instrumental in her racing journey.
“It was just the most incredibly emotional day,” MacGillivray recalls.
Apprentice jockey Maggie Collett, who has formed a strong bond with The Map during recent gallops, will take the reins on Saturday.
“Maggie is a nice soft rider, and the pair have got along well,” MacGillivray noted.
The Leon Macdonald Stakes is the first step in a carefully planned campaign leading to the Melbourne Cup.
The Map’s path includes the Naturalism Stakes, Herbert Power Stakes, and Geelong Cup, all leading up to her ultimate goal at Flemington on November 5.