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Memsie chance for Lion Tamer
Lion Tamer could be a surprise early spring arrival in Melbourne, according to his trainer Murray Baker.
Baker (pictured) said that the 2010 Victoria Derby winner was a chance to be in Melbourne to run in the Group 2 Memsie Stakes (1400m, Caulfield) on August 27.
The Memsie Stakes clashes with the Group 1 Mudgway Stakes (1400m, Hasting) in New Zealand, but Baker is keen to come to Melbourne early.
“I have entered him for the Mudgway, but my preference at this stage is to come to Melbourne for the Memsie Stakes – I think it is an ideal race for him,” Baker said.
The Cambridge trainer added that Lion Tamer would then have two weeks to the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley, which would give the 4YO another start around Moonee Valley as part of his preparation for a run in the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) on October 22.
Lion Tamer finished a terrific second behind Rekindled Interest in the Group 2 AAMI Vase (2040m) on Cox Plate day last year, a week before his easy win in the Derby seven days later.
Baker also said that his Melbourne Cup hopeful Harris Tweed, who has recovered from a throat operation, would accompany Lion Tamer to Melbourne and kick off his campaign in the Listed Heatherlie Handicap (1700m) on the same day as the Memsie.
“He’s not making any noise in his work, so I am hopeful he will have a good campaign,” Baker said.
will lion tamer go on to the Mel Cup
His main aim is the Cox Plate, but they are considering the Melbourne Cup after that. Probably run in the Mackinnon on Derby Day.
Very encouraging run on Saturday I thought. He looked enormous; the typical Baker polish.
Not sure if you would have picked up on this in Oz, but he didn’t pull up post race, until he had gone around to the end of the back straight.
John, I noticed Lion Tamer motoring through between the winner and runner-up about 50 metres beyond the line. It’s always a good sign for a horse to finish off like that. I think this horse is exceptional, and so to M Baker.
guys i have backed the big fella in melb cup hows things with the head wound
Don’t know about a head wound – he had a hind leg wound which has healed completely.
No sign of any head wound pre or post race at Hastings.
I have just looked at the stipes report and no mention of anything other than Wall Street over racing.
what a good start to the spring, all ahead to the CUP, hows Jimmy Choux going to be beaten in Cox Plate.
To the trainer, owners, jockey I feel so sorry for
you all today lion tamer was such a great horse I am very surprised that veterinary science hasn’t come up with a special way of treating race horses broken legs etc. Today a great horse died doing what he loved. All the best