- Lloyd Williams is a Melbourne Cup success story
- Has run his trained eye over the field this year
Seven-time Melbourne Cup-winning owner Lloyd Williams has given his verdict on who will win this year’s great race – and the much-loved horse he has doubts about.
A member of the Australian Racing Hall of Fame and one of the most influential figures in the industry, Williams doesn’t speak publicly very often, but when he does, people tend to listen.
This year he is tipping Vauban to storm to victory and redeem himself after a disappointing race in 2023.
‘I have a lot of confidence in it [trainer] Willie Mullins wins with Vauban,” Williams said Racenet.
‘I think this horse is perfectly prepared for the race this year and I think the trainer is a master trainer.
“Vauban left for Australia later this year with the second shipment, so they haven’t been here long and that will help enormously.
‘The jockey [William Buick] rode a winner at the Breeders’ Cup meeting in the US, so he’s in good form and that helps a lot.”
Williams isn’t the only expert assessing Vauban’s chances, with Melbourne Cup ambassador Francesca Cumani also tipping the Irish stayer.
Seven-time Melbourne Cup winner Lloyd Williams (pictured) tips Vauban to eliminate the race holding a nation back
Vauban (photo) was favorite last year, but finished at the back half of the field
Williams also predicted that Caulfield Cup runners-up and Melbourne Cup favorite Buckaroo would struggle over the 3200 metres. Instead, he prefers the chances of stablemate Land Legend.
“The wide barrier will help Land Legend because he won’t catch the break from the outside and Zac Purton can let him step down the straight and find his rhythm,” Williams said.
“Chris Waller is doing remarkable things, he is a great coach, I would praise him from heaven.
‘Buckaroo has the right shape, but the shape is not two miles.
‘I know this horse very well as Joseph O’Brien had it in Ireland. As for the shape, I’ve known the horse since it was a baby.
‘I really wonder if this horse will make it two miles.
“If it happens to win, I’ll be cheering because owners like Ozzie Kheir and Brae Sokolski deserve it considering the amount of money they’re investing in racing.”
Williams believes Melbourne Cup favorite Buckaroo may struggle over the 3200m
Ireland’s master trainer Mullins has dismissed talk of Melbourne Cup redemption as he called Vauban his best chance to win the race that holds a nation back.
“As we know, you don’t just show up and pick up the prize,” Mullins said.
‘Last year a lot of people wrote us off for that, but I think the preparations of our horses have been good this year.
‘Vauban’s form has been very good all season and he brings great depth of form to the race.
‘Absurde has done nothing wrong and I think he is a horse who is maturing in his mind.’
Pressed on the choice of his two runners, Mullins said: ‘Vauban’s form stands out.