The future of St Leger winner Scandinavia in the 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup is yet to be decided, with trainer Aidan O'Brien stating a decision will probably be made by the end of the week. The three-year-old colt, who secured O'Brien his ninth St Leger victory at Doncaster on Saturday, is now the subject of speculation as to whether he will make the journey to Flemington for the November 4 contest.
Scandinavia, son of Justify, displayed tenacity and determination in the St Leger and fought to win. Carrying 55.5kg (8st 10lb) in the Melbourne Cup weights, he would try to follow Cross Counter, the last three-year-old to win the Cup in 2018. O'Brien admitted that the colt proved to have remarkable courage and toughness in Doncaster, qualities that would really put him in the mix if he went to Australia.
When asked about the Melbourne Cup, O’Brien explained:
“There’s no decision about Australia yet, I’d have thought it would probably be the end of the week, I’d have thought.”
O'Brien had planned to run Jan Brueghel, who won last year’s St Leger, in the Cup, but he was ruled out after failing his veterinary checks. Scandinavia is the stable's best chance in this year’s Flemington feature.
Although the Melbourne Cup is uncertain, O’Brien said that the options available to Scandinavia's career are wide open. He said again:
“I think he could run in the good races over a mile and a half, but he does stay exceptionally well, doesn't he?”
The flexibility could shape the colt's long-term career. The Melbourne Cup is only one potential target among various notable races to race internationally.
O’Brien was not only making the headlines in Scandinavia. On the same weekend, Stay True, a lightly-raced colt and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, finished third in the St Leger. With only four races under his belt, Stay True looks like a horse with potential, and he will hopefully improve again next year.
Meanwhile, O’Brien’s Delacroix had another fine performance when he won the Irish Champion Stakes, after winning the Eclipse and his second Group One of the season. As a son of Dubawi, he is of massive impact for Coolmore Stud, though O’Brien said no decision has been taken yet regarding Delacroix’s next race.
Melbourne Cup decision still pending for Scandinavia 2025; all eyes are on whether Scandinavia will be in the field. The decision will not only impact O'Brien's Cup campaign but could also influence the direction of the colt's career moving forward.
For now, racing fans will have to wait until the end of the week. If Scandinavia does line up at Flemington, he will be expected to get the job done, as a St Leger champion, aiming to become the first three-year-old since Cross Counter to win the famous Cup.
The decision is still pending, with trainer Aidan O’Brien expected to confirm this week.
Aidan O'Brien is assessing the colt’s status and will know by the end of the week.
Aidan O'Brien indicated that a decision should be made available later this week.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Ride with The Best
