Melbourne Cup placegetter Maluckyday's second shot at life

THERE will be no third Melbourne Cup this year for Maluckyday but a City Tattersalls Club Handicap win at Randwick would be just as big a triumph.

Maluckyday has his first start for new trainer Joe Pride at Royal Randwick on Saturday. Picture: Gregg Porteous

THERE will be no third Melbourne Cup this year for Maluckyday the 2010 runner-up but a win in Saturday's City Tattersalls Club Handicap (1400m) at Randwick would be just as big a triumph.

Maluckyday has traversed the highs and lows of racing, splitting world-class gallopers Americain and So You Think in Australia's greatest race, but was at death's door 12 months later with a near-fatal lung infection.

With the worst of it now behind him, the son of Zabeel, formerly with Team Hawkes, will have his first start for new trainer Joe Pride in Sydney on Saturday.

"There's still improvement in him,'' Pride said. "His coat still hasn't come out. He's a bit patchy - but the horse is in terrific order. I am really pleased with the way he is going on the track and the way he's trialled.''

Maluckyday turned heads with two sparkling trials at Warwick Farm during September including his most recent third to pace-laden stablemates Shamus and Scandalize in an 800m heat.

Even Pride was somewhat blown away by the performance.

"I just wouldn't have thought he would have that speed in his legs but the way I train I believe I can put a bit of speed back in these old horse's legs and that can be a vital component in them returning to form,'' he said.

Maluckyday (third from left) winds up behind Americain and So You Think to run second in the 2010 Melbourne Cup.

While Maluckyday has a class edge on his rivals, Pride is fully aware of the task at hand.

"I tend not to get too carried away thinking about what could be with a horse like this,'' the trainer said.

"He goes to the races with a lot to prove and a long way back to get to where his peak is and that's the start of a long journey on Saturday.

"All I want to do is see him hit the line and I will pleased with that result.''

Pride has no plans to overtax Maluckyday this spring, which will see him remain close to home.

"He is going to have three to four runs and then all being well he'll come back in the autumn and have a bit more of serious preparation then,'' Pride explained.

"I have a healthy respect for him - have a look at his form - he's a top class horse. At his best, he is one of the best stayers in Australia and we can only hope to get him back to near that level.

"He's got a bit of age on his side but he is only lightly raced.''

Meanwhile, Pride is forecasting a bold effort from his only other Randwick runner on Saturday, Toffler, who is seeking to turn the tables on Generalife from their October 7 clash at Kensington.

"Toffler is a very good horse second-up and I think the mile is about the right trip for him at this point,'' he said.