Two-time Melbourne Cup champion Mark Zahra has wasted no time building a connection with this year’s hopeful Al Riffa, putting the stayer through his paces for the first time at the Werribee quarantine centre on Wednesday.
Zahra made the trip specifically to familiarise himself with the Joseph O’Brien-trained contender ahead of the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 4.
Al Riffa carries the same Australian Bloodstock colours that Zahra famously wore aboard Gold Trip in 2022, before returning last year to win the race again with Without A Fight.
“I dare say if they didn’t own it, I would be on the horse,” Zahra said.
“It’s good to have a bit of success with past Melbourne Cup winners and I’m very thankful to have the ride.”
Zahra said he was immediately taken by Al Riffa’s strength and doesn’t believe his 59kg impost will be a major obstacle.
“He’s a big strong horse and the 59 (kilos) is no problem, but giving the weight away is a problem,” Zahra said.
“I have no problems at all about him carrying that sort of weight.
“It’s hard having not ridden him in a race to compare him to Gold Trip, but he’s a bit bigger, a stronger horse and I think he’s got all the class that Gold Trip had.”
Joseph O’Brien is looking to secure his third Melbourne Cup victory, having trained Rekindling (2017) and Twilight Payment (2020) to success. Those accompanying Al Riffa have suggested the horse may be his most proven Cup runner to date.
Zahra said he was most pleased with the horse’s relaxed attitude.
“He was, very relaxed, which you need for a Melbourne Cup horse as they have to run the two miles,” Zahra said.
“I know it’s different from race day, but his action was beautiful and in the straight when he needed to pick up, he picked up straight away.
“You’re hoping for a good feel, and that’s what he gave me.”
In further Cup developments, Craig Williams has been confirmed to ride Buckaroo for Chris Waller after the Cox Plate runner-up was locked in for the race.
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