Marmelo on track for Melbourne Cup

Marmelo has continued his build-up to a second crack at the Melbourne Cup with victory in the Listed Grand Cup at York.

The Hughie Morrison-trained Marmelo, who finished ninth as equal favourite in last year’s Cup, was sent out the 11-8 favourite in the 2800m-race on Saturday (Sunday AEST) with Ryan Moore aboard.

The Group Two-winning five-year-old ran second in France late last month at his first start since Flemington in November.

“He’s won despite the ground, I think. He’d prefer more cut but that’s two course records he’s got now – he’s also got one at Chantilly,” Morrison said.

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“As he proved in Australia, he’s not a slow horse. A mile and a half (2400m) is within his compass.”

“My head lad Tom Pirie has done a fantastic job with him. He rides him every day and never left his side for two months is Australia.

“We’ll go back to France next for the race he won last year (Prix Kergorlay) and then go back to Australia. He is part-owned by Australians.

“I think he’s still improving. A sound horse should keep on improving until they are six.

“There are just more races that suit him in France and he qualifies for the premiums, hence why he’s there more than here.”