Connections of Wine Dark Sea are excited to begin their journey down under ahead of his long haul next weekend.
The son of Ulysees showed signs of his ability when second in last year’s Old Rowley Cup, ahead of Ebor winner Daiquiri Bay. He returned this year in good form, comfortably winning by two lengths at Ascot.
Few could expect the next performance, as he bolted up 13 lengths in the Cumberland Plate at Carlisle. Despite failing to justify favouritism back up in class next time out, he landed a gamble to take the Geoffrey Freer Stakes.
Appearing in the Australian Bloodstock colours after his seasonal debut, the seeds were there that Wine Dark Sea was much better than his current mark. The blue, black & white coloured silks have won the Melbourne Cup twice, latterly with Gold Trip in 2022. They also bought into Al Riffa, and immediately won the Irish St Leger prior to his Melbourne Cup seventh.
It’s been six years since Withold was once favourite for the Melbourne Cup for Roger Charlton. After a developing uncertainty he wouldn’t get into the race, the dream was over having bled in his prep race. Wine Dark Sea is guaranteed a spot, and Harry Charlton will be raring to avenge his father’s mishap.
Damian Lane to reunite with Charltons
As the coveted contest approaches, connections appear to have finalised their schedule. Harry Charlton told the Press Association, via Racing TV: “He’s been in quarantine a week and he’s got one more week of that before flying next Saturday. He’s in good shape and his first race is the Caulfield Cup on October 17.
“I wouldn’t describe it as a prep as that is a huge race in its own right. He will get in the Melbourne Cup without running. But the owners are keen to have a pop at the Caulfield Cup and then go for the Melbourne Cup afterwards. I’ll head down later on and he’s in good hands until then.”
11 horses have landed the Cup double since 1906. Without A Fight was the first since 2001 when landing it for the Freedman’s and Mark Zahra. Half Yours quickly followed it up last year.
Harry Charlton has also acquired the services of a familiar face to the yard. He noted: “I think Damian Lane is going to ride him and he’s got a great record down in Melbourne. As a youngster he rode Quest For More in the Melbourne Cup for Dad so hopefully he proves a good choice.”