OTI Racing, owner of the Geelong Cup winner Gatewood could have a change of heart. They were adamant that Gatewood would have to rely on attrition rate to get into the Melbourne Cup after receiving only 1kg penalty for his Geelong Cup win. The penalty moved Gatewood’s weight in the Melbourne to 52.5kg and 36th in the order of entry.
Racing Victoria has released the 2nd acceptances for the Melbourne Cup this morning and only 3 horses ahead of Gatewood in the order of entry did not accept. They were the injured gallopers Manighar, Seville and Midas Touch.
It prompts OTI Racing to take a gamble in nominating Gatewood for Saturday’s Lexus Stakes 2500m and the Mackinnon Stakes 2000m, with the winner for both races carry ballot exemption for the Melbourne Cup.
By Owens Wong
