Symon Wilde may not start Tralee Rose again before the Melbourne Cup despite the mare being down the ballot order.
Tralee Rose went within 1-¼ lengths of gaining a start in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 2 when second in the Group 3 The Bart Cummings (2500m) on Saturday.
Victory in that race provided Grand Promenade a ballot exemption into the 2021 Melbourne Cup.
Like Grand Promenade’s trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, Wilde had planned Tralee Rose’s campaign around winning Saturday’s race.
“We were really pleased with the horse,” Wilde said.
“It’s the race we had aimed her at, but we’ve come up short by one, but that’s racing.
“We’re just lucky to have a nice horse like her to be able to compete in these races.”
Wilde could not have asked for a better ride from Dean Holland who had Tralee Rose in the one-one position in fourth spot turning out of the straight from their widest draw.
Unfortunately for Wilde, Grand Promenade showed a better turn of foot entering the straight.
“There were no excuses whatsoever,” Wilde said.
“There was good tempo, she got into a great spot, but the winner was too good.
“But from a Melbourne Cup point of view I was heartened that in the last 50 to 100 metres she was getting back at the winner, so it does make us think we really do want to get her into it.
“She’s a really, really strong stayer, and the last 100 metres would not put me off going that way.”
With Grand Promenade gaining a ballot exemption, Tralee Rose is now 37th in the ballot order.
Wilde said the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on October 20 could be an option in the hope of winning and receiving a re-handicap.
“Or we may even chance our arm,” Wilde said.
Tralee Rose is a $21 chance with TAB in Melbourne Cup betting which sees Saturday’s Group 1 Turnbull Stakes winner Incentivise the $5 favourite.