Legendary trainer Willie Mullins, who hosted the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour at Closutton, his County Carlow stable last week, said he was thrilled with Absurde’s performance and excited at the prospect of travelling to Melbourne for the world's richest handicap.
“I thought it was very good, I didn’t think we could do it and certainly a furlong down I didn’t think we would do it, and then Frankie just went into overdrive and pulled it out of the fire. It was terrific to have Frankie riding the horse, his last ride at York, you could not dream of anything like that. It worked out perfectly,” Mr Mullins said.
“I will have a word with connections, who couldn’t be here today, but I’d say they would love a runner in the Melbourne Cup. If Frankie is free to ride the horse, we would be delighted to have him there.”
Mr Mullins is now in the enviable position of having two horses on the path to the Cup, current favourite Vauban and Ebor Handicap winner Absurde.
“To go down double handed, we’re looking forward to it,” Mr Mullins said.
“It’s a race I would really love to win so we’re going to give it our best shot.”
Dettori, who also won a record sixth Group 1 Juddmonte International at York this week, hopes the victory could secure him a final ride in the Lexus Melbourne Cup, his 19th appearance at Cup Week.
“I’m super excited and what a horse, he’s showed that he’s very tough, he stays very well and I’m looking forward to it….it depends on the weight now, if the weight is kind to him, he’ll have a good shot,” Mr Dettori said.
“It is my last Melbourne Cup, it is one of the best races in the world (and) I’ve got an absolutely amazing CV and this is the race that is missing... so if I can nail that then I would be the happiest man in the world.
"I’ll see you in Melbourne!”