European Group winners could bolster Macedon Lodge Cup defence

Darryl Sherer - Sunday August 27

The Macedon Lodge team were delighted with the return of Almandin on Saturday and have signalled they are likely to add to its 2017 Melbourne Cup team with Group winners from Europe.

Advertisement
Order Of St George. Photo: Ascot Racecourse

Lloyd Williams is part-owner of Order Of St George and owns Rekindling outright and after watching last year's Melbourne Cup winner Almandin finish second to Pacodali at Moonee Valley his son Nick indicated both could be possible travellers.

Williams said while Rekindling was an easier decision, there is a good chance the 2016 winner of the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot could make the trip this year.

"He's some chance but I would have thought Order Of St George is more of a chance," Williams said.

"Our partners and Aidan seem to be warming to the idea of bringing him here. Aidan didn't think the horse was ready last year and he would have had topweight.

"You could argue he hasn't been in quite as good form this year so he should get a bit less weight. He's rated a couple of pounds below what he was last year so you'd think he'd get a little bit less."

Order Of St George shared the original topweight with Protectionist for last year's Melbourne Cup with 58kg but remained in Europe and finished third behind stablemates Found and Highland Reel in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe over 2400m at Chantilly after wining The Gold Cup

Order Of St George had Rekindling 4 3/4-lengths behind last time out in the Group III Irish St Leger Trial (1m6f) last time out on August 19 and Williams said the younger horse is still improving.

A three-year-old son of High Chaparral, Rekindling defeated Wicklow Brave by half a length in the Group II Curragh Cup after beating two home in the Epsom Derby.

Williams said plans for the Joseph O'Brien-trained colt are fluid.

"He'll either go to the Irish St Leger or the English St Leger or the race in France (Arc de Triomphe) or he might come here," Williams said.

"Order Of St George will probably go to the Irish St Leger but we'll see. There's a long way to go (Melbourne Cup) but we've got a great hand - at the moment we couldn't be happier."

Advertisment
More Reading...
51st National Yearling Sale for International Bloodstock Agent John Foote
For over 51 years, respected international bloodstock agent John Foote has been attending the National Yearling Sale in New Zealand, and he has returned to Karaka for the historic 100th National Yearling Sale this week. 
Inglis Millennium Order of Entry
Inglis have released an order of entry for the $2million Inglis Millennium to be run on February 7 at Randwick and two of the horses in the Top 20 won barrier trials at Warwick Farm on Thursday morning.
2026 Inglis Easter Revealed - Galaxy of Stars
A world-class catalogue of 472 lots has been confirmed for what is shaping as a spectacular Easter Yearling Sale, for which the catalogue is now available online.
Forsman Chasing More Karaka Millions Day Success
Andrew Forsman has fond memories from the annual Karaka Millions meeting, and he is hoping to record some more when he heads to Ellerslie on Saturday for the blockbuster twilight event.
G3 Next for Cambridge Stud's Blueblood Zoustar Mare
Cambridge Stud are under no illusions about the task ahead of Silver Wedding at Ellerslie on Saturday, with connections hoping she has one more peak performance to come.
Inglis Challenge Moves to Wagga Gold Cup Carnival
The 2026 edition of the $200,000 Inglis Challenge for 2YOs will be run on Wagga Gold Cup Day at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) on Friday May 1.
Century Club – Who Has Hit 100?
With so much attention on yearling sales at present, Magic Millions last week and Karaka starting on Sunday, the sire lists have been allowed to quietly tick along unwatched and three stallions have joined the century club and now share the top spot.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Warwick Farm
The Ciaron Maher stable is on a high with their juveniles after a quinella in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic last Saturday and another of their spring stakes-winners Calamari Ring was a winner at the Warwick Farm trials on Thursday morning.
Sires With Winners - Thursday January 22
Here is the full list of 35 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Mother and Son Jockeys Reunite
Kylie Williams is hoping she will have plenty to celebrate when she is sunning herself in Rarotonga on Sunday.