Sam Clipperton finds himself in a more comfortable position for Melbourne Cup Day following Juja Kibo’s Moonee Valley Cup triumph, which came with a weight penalty. Crucially, the jockey had already committed to riding the in-form stayer, regardless of any added impost.
Clipperton, whose standard riding weight is approximately 55kg, had already commenced his weight-management program to partner Juja Kibo at 53.5kg. Consequently, the 1.5kg penalty incurred by the horse for its decisive recent victory was an unexpected bonus.
“I said to them, ‘I’ll ride him at 53-1/2 if he gets in without the penalty. I was committed, so my weight is already good,” Clipperton stated. “Now he’s got 55, so I’ll be feeling dangerous on Tuesday.”.
The jockey has been the regular rider for Juja Kibo throughout its four starts this preparation, including its last two victorious outings in the Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick and the Moonee Valley Cup (2500m) at Flemington.
While Juja Kibo, trained by Ciaron Maher, finished midfield in its only previous attempt over two miles in the Sydney Cup, Clipperton asserts that the stayer is a different horse this spring.
“You can say they’ll run two-miles all you want, but I think he is incredibly clean-winded and last start, I couldn’t pull him up until way over the back near the 1400. I think he’ll be no dramas,” he commented. “It’s the right time now. Last spring he was nearly the early favourite for the ‘Metrop’ and ran third. He wasn’t quite seasoned. In the autumn, he wasn’t going that well and he was still running some placings. This time around, he’s really seasoned and has improved every run.”.
This consistent upward trajectory in performance is the bedrock of Clipperton’s faith in Juja Kibo.
Starting his campaign with placings in the Rowley Mile (1600m) and Kingston Town Stakes (2000m), the horse has consistently raised its performance level.
He will need to find further improvement to be a factor in Australia’s most prestigious race, but Clipperton is confident in his ability to do so.
“I have a lot of belief in him. Every time I’ve ridden him, he’s improved,” Clipperton asserted. “He’s had a beautiful foundation for the two-miles, and he’s had the right lead-ups. He’s a horse who, in himself, is full of confidence and he’s so push-button. There’s no locked in pattern with him. He doesn’t have to have things go his way. He can adapt, which is so important. He switches off and he’s got a turn of foot. He ticks a lot of boxes. All things being even, he’ll run the race of his life on Tuesday.”.
Juja Kibo will be Clipperton’s second ride in the Melbourne Cup, with his previous start aboard Stockman, who finished eighth behind Gold Trip in 2022.
The jockey perceives his current mount as a more talented galloper and himself as a more experienced rider.
“If Stockman can run eighth, nothing against beautiful Stockman, but he didn’t have the attributes of Juja Kibo,” Clipperton stated. “I’ve had a bit of experience at Flemington now. I’m so excited.”.
For those interested in the Melbourne Cup, exploring the betting markets for the race at Australian betting sites is recommended.
