Hartnell connections fear Melbourne Cup pace could hurt Godolphin star

O’Shea was yesterday confident he’d done all he could with his star six-year-old which was an easing $5 top pick with TAB.

ESSENTIAL: MELBOURNE CUP FULL FORMGUIDE

He said Hartnell’s preparation had been “fantastic”, without a hiccup since he got back in work and that the gelding was ready to fire.

But with English two-mile expert Big Orange sure to set a fast clip from the outset today, and jockey Tommy Berry vowing to make a solid tempo on his Japanese runner Curren Mirotic if it doesn’t, O’Shea isn’t sure how Hartnell will adapt.

Beaten only once this preparation, by Winx in the Cox Plate, Hartnell has destroyed plenty of today’s opponents, including third favourite Jameka, with withering finishes.

But after two unsuccessful trips over the Cup distance of 3200m in Australia, including a muddling 15th last year, O’Shea can only be hopeful today’s race will play out for Hartnell to finish in a flash.

“I don’t think you can go in to a Melbourne Cup with confidence. All we are doing is going in to the race knowing our horse is fit, he’ll be well ridden and if he’s good enough at some stage he’ll look the winner,” O’Shea said yesterday.

“I know he’s stubbed his toe a couple of times at two miles in Australia, but to be fair there’s probably excuses. I don’t think there will be any excuses from us (today).

“Probably from my perspective I would have preferred a race not of strong tempo because he has the best turn of foot.

“I think it will be a genuine two miles, and if we are going to come undone, that will be the issue. It will flush him out and he won’t get to use that turn of foot that has been so succseeful at weight for age.”

Top weight Big Orange, which finished 5th in last year’s Melbourne Cup, is expected to set the pace with his high cruising speed, having won back-to-back Goodwood Handicaps over the Cup distance of 3200m using the same tactics.

“Last year we were drawn in (barrier) 23 and we go to the front. We’ve got a better draw to attack from in seven this year,” trainer Michael Bell said.

“He doesn’t have to make the running but he’s a horse that likes to get on with things. He’s got a very high cruising speed and he stays very well, so it’s pointless trying to mix things up with him.

“He’ll be sent forward and if anything wants to go by him they are very welcome to lead. I suggest they are going too quick for their own comfort if they do.”

Berry, jumping from barrier 18, said he would certainly be “putting a bit of pressure on to make sure it is a strong run race”, but expected Big Orange to set a strong pace.

“I have seen Big Orange in plenty of his racing overseas and he’s got a beautifully high cruising speed so I would be very surprised if I needed to put pressure on him,” Berry said.

“He looks like he’ll run along at a decent enough clip for both of us.”