Melbourne Cup winner likely to bypass Saturday's Feehan Stakes

Low-key, big-weight return for Trip?

Melbourne Cup winner Gold Trip is likely to bypass Saturday's Feehan Stakes and instead kick off over the Cox Plate distance of 2040 metres in a Benchmark 100 handicap.With a maximum topweight of 62 kilograms, the 117-rater is, weather permitting, likely to commence his spring campaign this weekend geared towards a Cup defence."I think just the way he is trialling up he will travel better at the 2000," explained Ciaron Maher, who trains the horse in partnership with David Eustace."There is a maximum handicap of 62 … it works pretty well for those horses coming back."So we might look at that ahead of the Feehan, but we will keep an eye on the tracks as well."Maher and Eustace have run four horses in Saturday company in recent months who have been allocated 62kg before claims, with United Nations and Right You Are both finishing second, while St Lawrence carried 61kg in late July after Carleen Heffel's 1.5kg claim.Maher said the forecast of showers this week will sway his decision to commence Gold Trip's preparation.The Melbourne Cup winner has had three trials leading up to his spring campaign."He wouldn't be the worst I don't think, he is way out of the handicap but at that 62 (kilograms) it's capped and you can claim off it and it gets him in not too bad," Maher said.&nbsp;In other stable news, Maher said St Albans Stakes winner Brave Mead has arrived down from Sydney and will kick off in the McKenzie Stakes, the same track and trip at which he was a Stakes winner last preparation."We travelled him down to target this race and the last couple of weeks he has really come on and I was very happy with his work today," Maher said."He is a progressive horse, he did a good job last preparation and I think he is in for another good prep."I Am Invincible filly Zoukerino, who won the Tatts Stakes last start, will resume in the Atlantic Jewel Stakes."She had a good look around this morning and worked with Imperatriz," Maher said."She is in good order, prepped up well and carries a bit of fitness in from her winter campaign."Last-start Moonee Valley winner Floating Artist will head to the Naturalism Stakes in a bid to qualify again for the Melbourne Cup, while Smokin' Romans will head to the Underwood Stakes with stablemate Duke De Sessa, whose Memsie Stakes return on dry ground pleased Maher.

The Valley will once again play host to a leg of the National Pony Racing Series, with the Victorian event set to take place on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day, Saturday 22 March.A collaboration between Pony Club Australia and Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC), the series is designed to educate young riders on careers in the racing and breeding industry, giving them a taste of professional competition on major racedays.The series features six race meetings across Australia, culminating in the national finals in June. Before the Victorian leg, Ballarat hosted a Jumpstart weekend, where participants received riding instruction, horse health education, career insights, and rider fitness training.&nbsp;In preparation for their big moment on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day, competitors will also take part in a training day at The Valley to familiarise themselves with the track.On Saturday, two pony races will be held for state finalists aged 9 to 15. The first, over 450m at 11:30 am, is for ponies not exceeding 12.2hh, while the second, over 700m, is for ponies not exceeding 14hh. That event will take place following Race 3 on the card at 1:30 pm.&nbsp;Moonee Valley Racing Club has enjoyed its association with TIC and Pony Club Australia, providing young riders with the opportunity to gain experience on a major racing stage. The Valley hosted a leg of the first National Pony Racing Series in 2023, and last year on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day held a Shetland Pony Race.With the next generation of riders set to take centre stage once again, The Valley looks forward to another thrilling chapter in this growing series.

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