Mark Zahra, already a dual Melbourne Cup winner, was left impressed after his first sit on Al Riffa during a trackwork session at Werribee on Wednesday ahead of the 2024 running of the famous race.
Zahra made the trip to the Werribee quarantine facility to familiarise himself with Al Riffa before the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 4.
Al Riffa races in the Australian Bloodstock silks that Zahra carried to victory on Gold Trip in 2022. He then returned 12 months later to win the Melbourne Cup aboard Without A Fight.
“I dare say if they didn’t own it, I would be on the horse,” Zahra said.
“It’s good to have a bit of success with past Melbourne Cup winners and I’m very thankful to have the ride.”
Zahra said Al Riffa felt powerful in the gallop and he has few concerns about the 59kg topweight assignment.
“He’s a big strong horse and the 59 (kilos) is no problem, but giving the weight away is a problem,” Zahra said.
“I have no problems at all about him carrying that sort of weight.
“It’s hard having not ridden him in a race to compare him to Gold Trip, but he’s a bit bigger, a stronger horse and I think he’s got all the class that Gold Trip had.”
Trainer Joseph O’Brien is chasing a third victory in the Melbourne Cup, having previously won with Rekindling (2017) and Twilight Payment (2020). Connections have indicated Al Riffa may be the most credentialed Cup contender O’Brien has shipped to Australia.
Zahra said his priority in riding the horse for the first time was assessing his temperament.
“He was very relaxed, which you need for a Melbourne Cup horse as they have to run the two miles,” Zahra said.
“I know it’s different from race day, but his action was beautiful and in the straight when he needed to pick up, he picked up straight away.
“You’re hoping for a good feel, and that’s what he gave me.”
Meanwhile, Craig Williams has been confirmed to ride Buckaroo in the Melbourne Cup after the Chris Waller-trained galloper finished runner-up in the Cox Plate. Williams had also been considered for the ride on Birdman following the withdrawal of Sir Delius.
If you’re planning a bet on the Melbourne Cup, be sure to compare odds and offers at Australia’s best betting sites before placing your wager.
