Andrew Forsman still holds Melbourne Cup aspirations with Positivity (NZ) (Almanzor), despite having to be scratched from last Saturday’s Caulfield Cup.
The Kiwi mare was withdrawn on Friday afternoon due to a hoof issue, but Forsman is confident he is now on top of the issue and could see the mare run as soon as Friday night in the A$750,000 Gr.2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup.
“She seems fine, she did have a niggly foot that she has obviously bruised in her final gallop on Thursday morning, but she’s much improved,” he said.
“We could have waited until Saturday morning, but I don’t think that would have been fair.
“You can’t go into those races 95 per cent right and it was enough of a niggle to be a comfortable decision.”
Positivity has accepted for the Moonee Valley Gold Cup with Jye McNeil booked to carry 52.5 kilograms. Forsman said he was also considering the Gr.3 Bendigo Cup (2400m) next Wednesday.
The MRC Foundation Cup and SA Fillies Classic winner galloped at The Valley on Tuesday morning as part of Breakfast with the Best with Tom Prebble in the saddle.
Forsman said if the daughter of Almanzor was to hold form at her next start he would be keen to take his place in the Melbourne Cup.
“Honestly, at the start of the prep, I didn’t think we’d even be in a position to consider, but where she sits in the order, she’s a chance of getting in,” he admitted.
“So, that is a factor and probably why I am leaning towards the 2400 or 2500-metre options.”
Positivity is an $81 chance with Sportsbet for the Melbourne Cup.
In other stable news, Forsman said Aegon would return home following his 12th placing in the Moonga Stakes.
He said the seven-year-old would have a short freshen-up and likely one more start in New Zealand to determine his future.
