Peslier chasing a Cup dream on Tiberian

Champion French jockey Olivier Peslier will break new ground when he rides Tiberian in the Melbourne Cup.

Peslier has ridden with success throughout Europe, the Middle East, United States and Asia but is riding in Australia for the first time.

He rides Tiberian in next Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup and is already in Australia preparing for the Flemington meeting.

Peslier went to Werribee on Tuesday to partner Tiberian in a work-out, the first time he has ridden the stayer in a morning gallop.

He has been aboard Tiberian in his past five starts which have netted four victories and said he seemed a more relaxed horse than on a race day.

“The horse is different in the morning and the afternoon,” Peslier said.

“When he works in the morning he’s more relaxed and the afternoons, more keen.

“Basically in France, we work two or three horses together. He worked alone so he just looked around when he passed the last turn.

“He did accelerate well and worked well.”

Having ridden against leading Australian jockeys like Hugh Bowman and Craig Williams, Peslier will be calling on their help before riding at Flemington.

He said when jockeys come to Europe he’s only too happy to give advice as it can be difficult getting to know and understand different jockeys and trainers.

He has also picked the brains of Gerald Mosse, who won the Cup on Americain in 2010, and Christophe Lemaire who was successful the following year on Dunaden.

“When the jockeys ride in Europe or France, we tell them the route is not like a book,” Peslier said.

“So now is my time to come here and ask about the track and get little tips from jockeys.”

Peslier said he believed Tiberian had the qualities to win the Melbourne Cup.

“The horse can go from front or behind,” he said.

“The horse accelerates. There will be a lot of runners and it’s not easy as everyone will have a chance.

“But I’m here to ride to win.”

Tiberian is a $17 chance in the TAB’s latest Cup betting with 2016 winner Almandin the $7 favourite.