Maluckyday wins The Lexus at Flemington

Maluckyday won the Group 3 Lexus Stakes (2500m) at Flemington this morning as race two on a big card and a long day, and might give owner Nick Moraitis a crack at a second lucky day in the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday.

Moraitis, of course, won the 1997 Melbourne Cup with Might And Power, one of the best horses of the past 20 years – he won the Caulfield Cup at his final run before the Cup, and won the Cox Plate the next year, ridden each time by Jim Cassidy.

Cassidy had the mount yesterday when Maluckyday, at his first Melbourne run after beating much weaker opposition in Sydney, was too strong. He said of the Zabeel 4YO: “He’s taken the next step … if he doesn’t go to the Cup this year, he’ll be a good one next year.”

Moraitis, emotional after the race, hugged and kissed trainers John and Michael Hawkes and said he’d leave the decision on a run on this Tuesday to Team Hawkes (which also includes Wayne, son of John and brother of Michael).

Asked if he could win a second Cup, Moraitis said: “Once is enough in a lifetime, but I hope there’s another.”

A decision will be made close to 5pm acceptances today on whether he will get the chance this year.

John Hawkes said after the Lexus: “You never say never, but we’ll just weigh things up, have a look how he’s pulled, speak to everybody … we’ll just make our mind up later in the day.

“He’s a very promising young horse, but I still think he’s 12 months away.”

Moraitis heaped praise on Cassidy’s ride, the veteran jockey coming from second last, getting on Linton’s tail towards the turn and powering past the field (and Linton and brave front-runner Once Were Wild) in the run to the post.

“Jimmy gave them a nice licking today,” Moraitis said.

TAB Sportsbet brought Maluckyday into $11 fourth favourite for the Cup, and handicapper Greg Carpenter penalised him 1kg, bring him to 51kg, the same weight Shocking carried in winning the Cup last year after winning the Lexus, for which he wasn’t penalised.

Linton now misses the Cup, as do Moudre (a strong running fourth) and the other horses who had to win to qualify. Once Were Wild, who broke clear of the field with the leader Herculian Prince, her stablemate, put in a good Cup trial. Herculian Prince was gone on the turn and finished a disappointing last. He will be spelled.

Cassidy has been engaged for Once Were Wild in the Cup, but said if Maluckyday does run, “I’ll do a bit of talking, I think.”

THE LEXUS STAKES, 2500m

Maluckyday ($6.50), Jim Cassidy 1

Linton ($3.80f), Glen Boss 2

Once Were Wild ($14), Michael Walker 3