ATT: Oceanographer a ‘top-five’ chance, says Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Lee Freedman

“As long as he can handle the three runs in 13 days as an import and they are not really used to it … but that was the run of a horse that can win a Melbourne Cup for sure,” Lester said.

Freedman, who trains Lexus Stakes second Tom Melbourne, agrees Oceanographer is a genuine Cup chance.

“He finished off very strong and our horse didn’t give it away,” Freedman said. “He would be a top-five chance.”

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy said Oceanographer, who firmed to $5.50 second favourite for the Cup with the TAB yesterday, is a different style of horse to stablemate Qewy.

Chad Schofield, who piloted De Little Engine in the Lexus Stakes, will ride Oceanographer in Tuesday’s Cup.

“I’m sad I didn’t win (the Lexus) but I’m happy (Oceanographer) won,” Schofield said.

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OCEANOGRAPHER might have stormed into Cup contention but his trainer Charlie Appleby will have to familiarise himself with the horse’s jockey before Tuesday’s race.

Appleby said he had hoped Chad Schofield “was on a plane” to Australia after Oceanographer won the Lexus Stakes but Schofield was, in fact, riding in the same race.

Deadline for Capitalist

PETER and Paul Snowden should know by Tuesday whether Capitalist will be right to take on the older horses in Saturday’s Darley Classic at Flemington.

The horse was ruled out of yesterday’s Coolmore Stud Stakes with a stone bruise.

“He is better but he is not 100 per cent yet and he has to be by Tuesday (to gallop) otherwise we will be going home,” Peter said.

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GODOLPHIN’S Henry Plumptre has revealed plans to take Astern to Royal Ascot next year following his gallant second in Saturday’s Coolmore Stud Stakes.

“We might take him to Royal Ascot next year and we would probably run him in the Golden Jubilee,” Plumptre said.

Plumptre said Flying Artie was too good yesterday and said backing up Astern in the Darley Classic was unlikely.

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DAVID Pfieffer notched a Group 1 placing with Denmagic in the Myer Classic but he also had another reason to be on top of the world as the Sydney trainer, along with his partner, welcomed a baby boy into the world on Friday.

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WHICH Victorian racing TV presenter was left stunned when his William Hill account was restricted after he turned a $20 free bet into $96.89? No, that’s not a typo.

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MICHELLE Payne hasn’t given up on her bid to win Thursday’s Crown Oaks with the horse she trains and rides, Queen Of Zealand, despite the filly’s disappointing 16th in yesterday’s Wakeful Stakes at Flemington.

Banner day for boys

THE “Banner Boys” (pictured) were in fine form at Flemington yesterday.

A group of racing fans from NSW, the Banner Boys had an assortment on show yesterday including two to celebrate Chris Waller’s victory with Comin’ Through in the opening race.

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IF being on holidays in the Bahamas wasn’t enough, then Comin’ Through’s owner Owen Glenn had an extra reason to party when his promising colt lobbed in the Carbine Club Stakes yesterday.