John Hickmott to gamble with Flying Casino

Hickmott’s son, Robert, will chase his second Cup success when he saddles up three horses - Gallante, Almandin and Assign - for Australia’s most powerful owner, Lloyd Williams.

The Murray Bridge horseman said Flying Casino was being taken to Melbourne in the hope of reigniting his form in the Prince Of Penzance Plate (2800m).

Flying Casino hasn’t won since taking out the Oakbank Cup earlier this year and Hickmott said the horse would appreciate the different surroundings on Australian racing’s biggest day in front of massive Flemington crowd.

“He could run last or he could win,’’ Hickmott said.

“He seems to have lost a bit of interest racing in Adelaide.

“He’s in races where there is no pace on and he just isn't concentrating – one week he runs super and then next he doesn’t show up. Physically the horse is fine.’’

Hickmott was on hand when his son produced Green Moon to win the 2012 Melbourne Cup, with Prett Brebble in the saddle, and said Almandin could be Robert’s best chance of again winning Australia’s big race.

“I liked the way Almandin won last time and Kerrin (McEvoy) riding him is a plus,’’ Hickmott said.

“I haven’t had a chance to talk to Robert this week, he’s obviously been very busy. This is their big time of the year.

“But it looks another really strong Cup field.’’

Flying Casino will be ridden in-form local jockey Jamie Kah, one of two rides for arguably SA’s most talented rider.

She will also continue her association with fellow Adelaide trainer Will Clarken, who saddles up in-form mare Cavaloce.

Cavaloce gets out to 1400m in the final race on Cup Day in the Hong Kong Jockey Club Plate.

Cavaloce has won three of six starts for Clarken, including an impressive Durbridge Stakes win at her first start for six weeks in defeating subsequent Morphettville winner Lord Aspen.

Leading Adelaide trainer Phillip Stokes has a busy day with five runners, Jon O’Connor will saddle up Magic Boy and Something More, while Tony McEvoy has just the one runner, Manuel, after scratching stablemate Time Awaits from the opening race.

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Originally published as Hickmott to gamble with Flying Casino