Melbourne spring carnival 2024: Gilbert Gardiner gives his horses, trainers and jockeys to follow
They are the stars of the show and Gilbert Gardiner has named his five horses, jockeys and trainers to keep an eye on this spring.
Racenet and Herald Sun racing reporter Gilbert Gardiner highlights the five horses, trainers and jockeys to follow during the Melbourne spring carnival.
HORSES
Dynamic frontrunner would be favourite, or close to, in just about any middle-distance Group 1 race which trainer Ciaron Maher has an appetite for. The Cox Plate looks to be at her mercy.
All roads lead to Cox Plate redemption for the popular galloper who was denied by the barest margin last year. Win, lose or dead-heat Mr, Brightside has never let Lindsay Park or punters down.
Hottest colt in the land who secured Group 1 success in Sydney and Brisbane last campaign. The favourite for the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas and a contender for the Cox Plate.
Feel-good story of the spring if this bargain South Australian mare, bought for $35,000 as a yearling, could challenge the rich and famous in the Melbourne Cup.
Electric filly who swept the Blue Diamond series and has The Valley Group 1 sprints on the agenda.
JOCKEYS
Stride for stride inside the last 100m of a big race, the champion jockey, Melbourne Cup winner and three-time Scobie Breasley medallist is the one you want on your horse.
Big race, high stakes, Zahra is the man. The Cups collector would love to put a Cox Plate in the trophy cabinet.
One of the most naturally gifted riders in the world. Primed to take the spring by storm.
Needs no introduction. A champion jockey and champion person, has won all the big races, most multiple times over. Highly respected and adored in and out of the saddle.
Hungry for more Group 1 success after focusing on the Victorian and Melbourne jockeys’ premiership last season. Is in the box seat to ride any Japanese raiders in the Cups or Cox Plate.
TRAINERS
Australia’s top and most versatile trainer with the horse power to win feature races from 1000m to 4600m, flat or over jumps.
Champion trainer has dominated the spring majors and especially the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Fresh off a breakout season the Hayes boys have unfinished business on Cox Plate day.
Warmonger, First Settler and Bustling should carry the Price-Kent Jr team a long way in the spring, along with imported mare Kitty Rose and Group 1 winner Vibrant Sun. The stable boasts a strong spread of talent.
Irish legend is determined to win a Melbourne Cup, having placed twice before with Max Dynamite. Mullins has Absurde and Vauban aimed the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup respectively.
Originally published as Melbourne spring carnival 2024: Gilbert Gardiner gives his horses, trainers and jockeys to follow
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