Red Cadeaux

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Trainer Ed Dunlop has confirmed the Melbourne Cup as the target again for Red Cadeaux who last year was beaten by a nose into second place in Australia’s greatest race.

At Flemington in 2011 the then five-year-old led a furlong out, only to be headed by the Mikel Delzangles trained French raider Dunaden 50metres from the line.

Red Cadeaux was again forced to settle for minor honours at his next start when third to the same rival in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin racecourse in Hong Kong last December.

Dunlop’s stayer was last seen when finishing third in the Group Two Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot where he finished four lengths adrift of winner Sea Moon, the pair separated by his old rival Dunaden.

“It was a very good run from Red Cadeaux,” Dunlop said. “We were beaten by the favourite and horse who has beaten us twice, so we have conceded defeat. Dunaden is better than us but we probably won’t run against him again.

“We will take Red Cadeaux home and give him one more run before Australia’s Melbourne Cup.”

Meanwhile Delzangles is keeping his options open for Dunaden who was unlucky not to finish closer to the winner after meeting trouble in running.

“Rounding the home bend Dunaden had to slow down because of the horse in front and couldn’t get out,” Delzangles said. “He finished very well and stayed on very well, but couldn’t get out when he wanted.”