Manalapan’s Melbourne Cup prospects hinge on Ayr performance

Dermot Weld is closing in on the €2 million prize money mark for the season in Ireland although the trainer has more far-flung considerations in mind for his Melbourne Cup entry Manalapan, who runs at Ayr on Saturday.

The ex-Patrick Prendergast trained horse finished last on his only start for Weld to date at Bellewstown a month ago, but remains in the Flemington spectacular alongside his stable companion Zafayan, who is set to run over hurdles at Listowel this Sunday.

Manalapan lines up in the 10-furlong listed Doonside Cup under Pat Smullen and Weld conceded: "It looks a very tough race. We'll have to see how he gets on, but he will nearly have to win in order for us to think about Melbourne."

He reported no decision has been taken as to where Free Eagle, so unlucky in last weekend’s Irish Champion Stakes, might appear next, but Longchamp’s Prix de la Forêt could be on the agenda for Mustajeeb. “The Forêt looks the most likely,” Weld said.

Athas An Bhean and Madame Thunder are the two Irish hopes in the group three Firth Of Clyde Stakes at Ayr, while the stalwart sprinter An Saighdiur is set to have a third go at winning the Ayr Silver Cup.

Rebel Fitz will be fancied to win the Slán Abhaile race back-to-back at Listowel and Rite Of Passage’s half-brother, Gangster, can bounce back in the novice hurdle after a disappointing run in Galway.