There was mixed luck for the British and Irish representatives when the draw for Tuesday`s Foster`s Melbourne Cup was made at Flemington racecourse today.
Enzeli, Far Cry and Lightning Arrow fared best of the European contingent getting stalls six, 10 and 14 respectively while Arctic Owl will be making his bid for Cup glory from wide out in the unfavoured stall 21.
Arctic Owl`s trainer James Fanshawe was philosophical about the situation after witnessing Steve James, representing owners the Owl Society, pick out the stall number.
'What will be will be,' he said.
'Let`s hope for a smooth run, the horse is well and, touch wood, will run well.'
One consolation for connection of Arctic Owl, rated a 10-1 chance with local bookmakers following the draw, is that last year`s winner Rogan Josh landed the spoils from the same berth.
Goldophin`s Australian representative Brad Marzato was pleased with the number 14 gate for Lightening Arrow, whose jockey Frankie Dettori will arrive in Melbourne at midday on Monday en route from the Breeders` Cup in Kentucky.
'It suits us perfectly as our plan will be to get him into mid-division early,' said Marzato, who intends taking up training in his own right Down Under in the next 18 months.
'We are happy with him and while not confident, we are hopeful.
'He cantered this morning and will do his last piece of work tomorrow before he runs.
'We are not quite sure he will get two miles but he is going the right way at the right time.'
Marzato also confirmed Dettori will definitely take the mount on Lightening Arrow despite fears that the Italian might not be able to do the horse`s allotted weight of 53 kilos.
'I`ve been assured there is no problem and he will be able to ride,' Marzato said. 'We have no fallback plans in operation.'
Martin Pipe is enjoying his trip with Far Cry so much that he is kicking himself at not coming previously.
'It has made me wonder why I haven`t done it before,' he said. 'Of course you have to have the horse and it is a long journey.'
Pipe was 'comfortable' with the gelding`s stall 10 berth, saying: 'It`s a great draw and we are happy with him.'
Far Cry`s joint-owner Nicky Chambers was also happy with the outcome.
'I am pleased with the draw,' she said.
'All I want now is for the horse to prove he was good enough to be brought all this way. Win or lose I want to see him run up to his best. And if he does that I will be happy.'
Enzeli`s trainer John Oxx is hopeful of his representative`s chances from the sixth stall.
'You have always got to have a little bit of luck in running and it might have been better if he had been drawn a little wider,' he said.
'However, the number six draw will get him in there from an early stage and whoever wins will need luck in running.'
