Godolphin stayer Qewy collects Geelong Cup

Godolphin stayer Qewy moved a step closer to a Melbourne Cup start with a win in the Geelong Cup.

Godolphin stayer Qewy has moved a step closer to a Melbourne Cup start with his all-the-way win in the Geelong Cup.

Qewy led home an all-international result from horses stabled at the Werribee quarantine centre in the 2400m-race on Wednesday.

Ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, Qewy ($4) scored by a long-head from Grey Lion ($6.50) with another Godolphin horse, the $2.90 favourite, Oceanographer three-quarters of a length away third.

Qewy passed the ballot clause with his victory, moving to number 32 in the order of entry.

Racing Victoria handicapper Greg Carpenter will announce a penalty, if any, on Thursday.

He said a half-kilogram penalty would move Qewy to 31st in the order of entry while a one-kilogram penalty would take him to 28th.

A number of horses listed above him are already unlikely be taking their places in the Melbourne Cup on November 1.

The victory of Qewy gave trainer Charlie Appleby his first winner in Australia after stablemate Scottish finished second to Jameka in last Saturday’s Caulfield Cup.

James Ferguson, who has been in charge of the Godolphin horses during their stay at Werribee, said the team was delighted with the victory.

“We came over to have winners and thank God, that’s what we’ve done,” Ferguson said.

“It’s great for Sheikh Mohammed to have a winner here. It’s just brilliant for Charlie and the whole team.”

Ferguson said the plan now that Qewy had qualified to run in the Cup was to head to the race.

McEvoy rode for Godolphin in the UK and in Sydney before going freelance a little over two years ago.

Among his big victories for Godolphin was All The Good in the 2008 Caulfield Cup for Saeed bin Suroor.

“”It’s exciting for Charlie to have his first winner down here,” McEvoy said.

“Scottish didn’t have a great run and was able to run second.

“He’s had a good campaign out here, Charlie, and it’s nice to win the Cup for the boys here today.”

McEvoy said instructions were to allow Qewy to roll along in front.

“I was told to get him into his rhythm and make it a bit of a test,” McEvoy said.

“When I asked him, away he went. Full credit to the horse.”

Runner-up Grey Lion remained unchanged in 30th position in the ballot order with his jockey Katelyn Mallyon saying he was gallant in defeat but outstayed by the winner.

Qewy shortened from $51 to $21 for the Melbourne Cup while one punter placed a $4000 wager at $51 for next month’s race just before the Geelong Cup.