Melbourne Cup: Mike Moroney declares Emissary a genuine chance after ‘perfect’ lead into race

Horse trainer Mike Moroney has declared Emissary as a genuine chance for the Melbourne Cup, but has identified what could stop the gelding.

Emissary (GB) ridden by Blake Shinn heads to the barrier before the bet365 Geelong Cup at Geelong Racecourse on October 19, 2022 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos via Getty Images)

Emissary trainer Mike Moroney believes his gelding has enjoyed the perfect lead into the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday, and is now praying the rain stays away.

The five-year-old enjoyed a one-length victory at the Geelong Cup on October 19, and will start in the third barrier in the race that stops a nation almost two weeks later.

Moroney said he was happy with Emissary’s barrier draw and preparation.

“It’s always better to draw in than out, I would think,” he said.

“It really depends on how the track is going to be with the rain, if we do get the rain they’re saying it probably won’t matter too much where you draw, you’ve got to manage the ground under you.

Emissary (GB) ridden by Blake Shinn wins the bet365 Geelong Cup. Picture: Brett Holburt

“We’re really happy with the horse, his training has been perfect and he has raced well, we’re just hoping the weather stays fine.

“He’s a horse that likes good ground, he gets by on a four, five or six, but after that it’s probably a bit too wet for him.”

Emissary will be Moroney’s only horse in the Melbourne Cup, but the New Zealand-born trainer has a long and extensive history in the biggest horse racing event in the world.

He has won the Melbourne Cup once before, training Brew to victory in 2000.

Emissary will start as a middle-of-the-pack chance, with the majority of bookmakers offering $21 odds for the gelding to win the Cup.

Moroney said it had been “a long time between drinks”.

“22 years is a long time, but it would definitely be nice to win it again,” he said.

“I’m lucky I’ve had a few runs at it over the years, I think it’s certainly it’s race where you realise it is a different race, it’s not like any other.

“There is a bit of an aura to it, there’s a lot of planning and work goes into the horse to get to that stage of racing in the Cup and it means you’ve spent a lot of time with them.

“When you buy or train them, or bring them across from England or wherever, there is that thought of winning this race.

“So there is a bit of pressure of trying to get it right.”