Oopy MacGillivray and Dan Clarken’s The Map soared to victory in the JRA Plate at Morphettville, igniting dreams of Melbourne Cup glory after a missed opportunity last year.
The mare’s upcoming races include the Lord Reims Stakes and Adelaide Cup, with hopes of securing a Cup berth via events like the Andrew Ramsden Stakes or Roy Higgins Quality.
Purchased for a humble $35,000 in 2020, The Map has amassed over $370,000 in career earnings, showcasing her remarkable journey.
MacGillivray expressed excitement for the future, praising The Map’s resilience and determination.
“In our heart and in our dreams, the thought is the Melbourne Cup this year,” MacGillivray told Racing.com.
“But it is so hard to get there, with everything you have to do and the hoops you have to jump through to qualify.
“I suppose nothing’s off the table, but we haven’t really thought too far ahead.”
Online betting sites however don’t have high expectations The Map can win the race with the horse at $101 in most markets.