Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott admits he remains unsure how Parchment Party will handle Flemington Racecourse's turf surface when he becomes the first American-trained runner to contest the Melbourne Cup (G1) Nov. 4.
"We'd feel good if the race was on dirt," Mott told FanDuel TV. "But it's run on the turf, and while he's moved well on the grass in his work, he's never won on it. He's a true stayer—it's just a matter of how he gets along with the surface."
The 5-year-old's unlikely journey began when June's Belmont Gold Cup (G3) at Saratoga Race Course was switched from turf to dirt due to heavy rain—a condition of his entry. Parchment Party duly romped home by 8 1/2 lengths to secure a 'win and you're in' golden ticket to Melbourne. He quarantined in Newmarket before flying to Australia, adapting impressively to unfamiliar conditions.
"We had to change our training approach from ovals to uphill gallops at Newmarket but he's taken it well," Mott said. "He looks good, seems happy, and we've maintained a good level of fitness."
Mott cannot travel to Melbourne but has been following his horse's progress remotely and remains proud to see the United States represented on racing's biggest staying stage. However, the forecast of rain before Tuesday is a concern.
"That won't be in our favor," Mott said. "We'd prefer the turf to be real firm, something that emulates dirt, but we'll roll with the punches."
Parchment Party will be ridden by fellow Hall of Famer John Velazquez, who will also make history as the first American jockey to ride in the Melbourne Cup.
Onesmoothoperator to Remain in Australia
Indiana-bred Onesmoothoperator will remain in Australia following the Melbourne Cup, with Boyle Bloodstock confirming the decision Oct. 30.
"That is the plan, for him to stay in Australia. There is more for him here than taking him back to Europe," the ownership group said. "We have sold part of the horse ahead of the Melbourne Cup but retain the majority share. He will be trained by Brian's (Ellison) long-time friend Tim Fitzsimmons."
Currently prepared by United Kingdom-based trainer Brian Ellison, Onesmoothoperator is in his second Melbourne Spring Carnival and once again achieved group success when landing last week's Moonee Valley Gold Cup (G2) under Mark Zahra. The gelding won the Geelong Cup (G3) under Craig Williams last year before an unlucky midfield finish in the Melbourne Cup, and heads to Flemington this year with Harry Coffey booked to ride. The move to keep Onesmoothoperator in Australia ensures the consistent stayer will continue to feature prominently in the nation's premier staying races, with his future now in the hands of former Singapore-based trainer Tim Fitzsimmons.
Ellison said victory on Tuesday would mean everything to the trainer who has raced horses in England, Ireland, France, Dubai, and the U.S.
"It's the best place ever to come racing," Ellison said. "I've been to France, America, and this is by far the best place I have ever come."
There remain some plans to head to Hong Kong depending on Tuesday's result, or even to the Perth Cup (G2) in January where the stayer would race under the care of Fitzsimmons.
