By MICHAEL FLOYD
EXCITING chaser Crump’s thrilling last stride win in last Thursday night’s Melbourne Cup Prelude has left his trainer Troy Iwanyk with a difficult decision.
Rated one of the country’s fastest chasers, Crump was only fairly away from box five and despite enduring a chequered run, displayed exceptional speed to reign in early leader Hawk Alone and win by a head in 29.70 on a slow track.
“He’s got a ton of speed but he’s not the best out of the boxes so he’ll always need a bit of luck in running,” said Iwanyk.
A crowded feature-race program has created a dilemma for the Devon Meadows trainer. The Group 1 Vic Peters Classic at Wentworth Park, and the Group 3 Shootout at Sandown Park both possible options for the three-time Group race finalist, however clashing dates mean Iwanyk has a choice to make.
“The Sydney race is worth $75,000 to the winner, and he’s eligible for a $100,000 breeder’s bonus if he wins the final, but it’s a three week series and if he makes the final he’ll only have five days to get ready for the Melbourne Cup at Sandown Park, and that’s worth $350,000 plus the bonus if he wins.
“The Shootout is worth $50,000 and the four-dog format would suit him down to the ground, is at Sandown and is a full week before the Cup heats, but there are no guarantees about getting a start in that race. It’s a tough decision.”
Crump’s win last Thursday was the 14th of Crump’s 29-race career – seven of which were in the fastest time of the night – and prize money is now approaching $54,000.
Three other Melbourne Cup Preludes were run on the night, the fastest winner being Shifty Sticka which led all of the way to win in 29.65 for Paul Anderton.
Gold Town won his fourth consecutive race when he worked across from box eight to win in 29.68, while veteran Imry Bale also booked his berth in the Melbourne Cup heats, winning his Prelude in 30.05.
The next Melbourne Cup Prelude series will be run on Thursday 24 October.
