Snow Sky has Sir Michael back for Cup shot

Monday 2 November 2015, 3:08pm

It's been a decade since one of the world's most recognisable trainers has had a runner in the Melbourne Cup.

Sir Michael Stoute's last visit was in 2005 when Distinction finished 19th behind Makybe Diva after finishing sixth behind behind the great mare a year earlier.

His only other runner was Daliapour who was 16th behind Media Puzzle in 2002.

Stoute, who trains for the Queen among others, has $41 chance Snow Sky lining up in Tuesday's race for Prince Khalid Abdullah.

Snow Sky finished fifth behind Mongolian Khan in the Caulfield Cup at his most recent start.

Melbourne Cup results may not have been that kind to Stoute but he says he's got the right horse to give it a shot this year, despite Snow Sky having to carry top weight of 58kg.

"The race has been getting tougher and I think he's a suitable horse," Stoute said.

"He's got top weight but I think he's entitled to that."

Stoute said barrier 16 suited as he didn't want Snow Sky being too close to the rail.

He also noted the the 3200m of Tuesday's race was more suitable than the 2400 at Caulfield.

"I thought it was OK," Stoute said of Snow Sky's Caulfield run.

"When he wanted to be going forward he couldn't get rolling because he's hasn't got an instant accelerator.

"I thought it was satisfactory but he will have to improve a bit."

Snow Sky had a breeze-up over 800m on Sunday morning that pleased Stoute who added that nowadays the race required a better class of horse than before.

He said Snow Sky, to be ridden by last year's Cup winner Ryan Moore, was a 122 rated galloper in England.

"I love the race. For years I've wanted to come and be competitive in it," Stoute said.

"The prize is enormous and we've brought a much better horse this time because you have to.

"He'll give it a shot."

– AAP

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