Geelong Cup: Barwon Heads horse trainer thinks Midnight Blue a chance at Geelong and Melbourne Cup double

Only three horses have won the double of the Geelong Cup and Melbourne Cup, but a Barwon Heads trainer is planning on joining the exclusive group.

Danny O'Brien after Americain Angel won the Ladbrokes Handicap, at Moonee Valley Racecourse on January 29, 2022 in Moonee Ponds, Australia.(Reg Ryan/Racing Photos via Getty Images)

BARWON HEADS horse trainer Danny O’Brien says the excitement is back in the sport with crowds set to pour into Geelong Racecourse for the first time in three years.

The Geelong Cup, which will be run on Wednesday, will host tens of thousands of spectators after no crowds were allowed in 2020 or 2021.

O’Brien, whose gelding Midnight Blue will race in the Geelong Cup, said crowds would breathe life into the day.

“It’s really exciting to have crowds back, it’s fantastic,” he said.

“We’ve been behind glass walls, so to speak, the sport really needs crowds and we’re going to get a big one (on Wednesday).

Danny O'Brien won at Caulfield Guineas Day less than two weeks ago and is hoping to have similar success in Geelong. Picture: Vince Caligiuri

“All the races have big fields, so it’s great to see the owners and trainers getting behind the event and supporting the organisers.

“Geelong’s really lucky, it’s one of the best racing events in Victoria.”

Midnight Blue will enter the race a genuine chance to take out the 2400m race, with stiff competition expected in an even 18-horse field.

Only three horses have won both the Geelong Cup and the Melbourne Cup, with Media Puzzle (2002), Americain (2010) and Dunaden (2011).

O’Brien said a win in the Geelong Cup would be special, with the trainer aiming for a berth, and a win, in the Melbourne Cup.

“It definitely makes it a bit more special, we’ve got stables at Geelong Racecourse and our complex is in Barwon Heads, so it’s our local race,” he said.

“It’s a significant day for us, we’ve got a number of horses in other races as well but Midnight Blue racing in the Geelong Cup is really exciting.

“We think we’ve got a solid chance with him, the plan is to win and then race in the Melbourne Cup.

“There is a history of horses showing that the double is achievable, obviously Americain was one of them.

“I think the track will suit everyone, Geelong is really lucky to have Jimmy Dalton as the racecourse manager, he does an exceptional job with the track.

“It’s one of the best in Victoria, and to have it in such great condition because of his preparation is fantastic, especially after the rain we’ve had.”

Originally published as Geelong Cup: Barwon Heads horse trainer thinks Midnight Blue a chance at Geelong and Melbourne Cup double