Three-time winner Damien Oliver to ride Durston in the Melbourne Cup
Chris Waller has confirmed a new Melbourne Cup jockey for Caulfield Cup winner Durston.
Hall Of Famer Damien Oliver will get the chance to chase a fourth Melbourne Cup after winning the race to pilot Caulfield Cup hero Durston on the first Tuesday in November at Flemington.
Trainer Chris Waller confirmed Oliver has been locked for the coveted ride, beating of competition from the likes of Hong Kong star Zac Purton.
Waller required a replacement to ride Durton in the Cup with last-start rider Michael Dee already committed to partner Lunar Flare in Australia’s biggest race.
SPRING CARNIVAL OFFER: UNLOCK ALL OF RACENET’S EXPERT TIPS AND ANALYSIS FOR $1
Durston now sits on the third line of Melbourne Cup betting at $13 with TAB following his Caulfield Cup success.
Durston is set to carry 53.5kg in the Melbourne Cup, a weight Oliver can comfortably get down to as he chases another win on the big stage.
Oliver first won the Melbourne Cup on Doriemus in 1995 before scoring an emotional win in the world famous two-time mile aboard Media Puzzle.
His latest Melbourne Cup victory was aboard Fiorente for Gai Waterhouse in 2013.
Originally published as Three-time winner Damien Oliver to ride Durston in the Melbourne Cup
Ottobre gives Jenni’s Cox Plate lead-up wish
Ciaron Maher has plenty of options with star mare Pride Of Jenni but owner Tony Ottobre has given his preference for her last lead-up run before the Cox Plate.
TJ Smith winner Chain Of Lightning retired
A Group 1-winning mare has been retired after a disappointing start to the spring carnival.
Boom colt Growing Empire locked in for The Everest field
Manikato Stakes runner-up Growing Empire has given trainer Ciaron Maher his third starter in the world’s most lucrative sprint event at Royal Randwick next week.