Reflect back two years when Mark Twain’s connections rejoiced over a ballot exemption secured for the Melbourne Cup.
Six months after dominating the Roy Higgins (2600m) at Flemington, those plans fell apart from a tendon setback Mark Twain encountered preparing for 2024 spring racing.
Advance to Saturday, where Mark Twain graces the identical Flemington program he won on two years ago.
His current goal shifts from Cup exemption to Group 1 glory via the Australian Cup (2000m).
This will be his second appearance for Phillip Stokes’ stable on Saturday, building on a notable third in the Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington March 24.
A subsequent easy jump-out at Flemington has followed, as Stokes prefers him fresh for assignments.
“Four weeks between runs with a jump-out in between, I feel that’s the best way to have him, fresh with three weeks being the minimum,” Stokes said.
“It’s a hard race, but the favourite (Birdman) was the one that beat us (last time), and we can only improve and I think the Flemington 2000 (metres) is ideal.
“He ticks a lot of boxes, but we need to see it again, and I’m sure we will because we’ve been very happy with his work.
“He’s very relaxed and happy, so we go their quietly confident.”
Mark Twain, once handled by Roger James and Robert Wellwood, snared the Roy Higgins on a flying visit two years past.
After recovering from injury, one New Zealand start preceded close-spaced Melbourne runs with lacklustre outcomes.
“After his issues, he may not have come up last prep, and they were racing him every two weeks,” Stokes said.
“The prep previous to that, he was going a lot better, and I noticed they were spacing his runs a lot more and he was racing well.
“He was working well leading into his first-up run and I tipped him to a lot of people, saying to have something each-way on him.
“We know he’s a good horse when he’s right, so let’s hope he’s somewhere near his best.”
Stokes will gauge Mark Twain’s efforts this Saturday before charting the stayer’s future path.
Punters should check online bookmakers for Australian Cup betting options.
