Mullins’ Melbourne Cup dream | RACING.COM

Willie Mullins has already won two of horse racing’s biggest prizes in 2024 and now he has his sights set on Melbourne Cup glory.

“This is probably the biggest race in the world that I could win with the horses we buy, and that’s why we would really like to win this race,” Mullins said.

“From the moment I learned to read, read all about racing, read all about the Melbourne Cup, it was more or less a dream, you never thought you’d have a runner here. My ambition at the time was to come here to attend the Melbourne Cup.

“I first came here in 1993 when Vintage Crop won it and then it became a little clearer and more realistic that maybe I could have a horse that could come back here.

“We came back trying to win. I hope this year will be ours.”

Mullins has two entries in this year’s Cup: Vauban and Absurd. Both were popular last year, with Vauban starting favorite and Absurd receiving market support, but the pair finished 14th and seventh respectively.

“As we know, you don’t just show up and collect the prize,” Mullins said.

“Last year a lot of people gave us marks for it, but I think the preparation of our horses this year was good.

“Vauban has been very fit all season and he brings great depth of form to the race. Absurde has done nothing wrong and I think he is a horse that is maturing in his mind all the time.”

Mullins was pleased with a draw over hurdles for both his runners; Vauban started from barrier 11 and Absurd from stall seven, and was also pleased with the weather forecast being slightly cooler on Cup Day than the hot conditions his horses ran in last year.

The legendary Irish rider arrived in Melbourne on Saturday morning to watch his Cup contenders complete their final leg of work at the Werribee track.

“The horses are in great shape, probably even better than I was after this trip!” Mullins said.

“For me, they wouldn’t blow out the candle after the work they did.

“I’m very pleased with them.”

Clicks on which horse is the best in the pair; Mullins gave a diplomatic response.

“I think Vauban’s form is outstanding but I don’t know how good the other horse is, he continues to improve,” Mullins said.

On Sportsbet, Vauban is the Mullins pair’s top choice on the second betting line with a $6 bet, and at Absurde with an $11 bet.