Evergreen galloper Humidor will be vying to win his second Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday.
The New Zealand-bred eight-year-old won the race four years ago and trainer Chris Waller is hoping he can add a second Cup to his mantle this weekend.
The son of Teofilo ran fourth first-up in the Gr.1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) last month and Waller believes he will be a big threat on Saturday.
“I think it is the right year for him,” Waller said. “Obviously he is not getting any younger, but I wouldn’t say it’s the strongest Australian Cup. In saying that it’s a big field as well.
“It is a slightly tricky draw (12), but Damian Lane (jockey) knows him so well, just finding a bit of cover early will be important and he will be very strong late.
“We purposely kept him fresh going into it. It is four weeks between runs, but he had a 1400m workout last Thursday, which was a solid test, and he came through that very well.”
Humidor was bred by Jomara Bloodstock ‘s John, Mark, and Rachael Carter, who have retained a 50 percent share in the gelding.
Initially raced in New Zealand, Humidor won four of his nine starts for trainers Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard, including the Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2000m), and was runner-up in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m).
He has gone on to win a further five races in Australia, including three at Group One-level, and placed twice behind stable predecessor Winx in the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m).
