Modun joins Godolphin for Melbourne Cup tilt

SEPTEMBER STAKES winner Modun has been bought out of Sir Michael Stoute's yard to race for Godolphin in the Melbourne Cup.

The four-year-old, who was fourth in the Ebor behind fellow Cup hope Moyenne Corniche last month, is as short as 20-1 with Coral for the November 1 handicap.

Godolphin racing managerSimon Crisford said: “Modun has joined our operation to run in the Melbourne Cup.

“He might run again before then but his main target is Australia and then he will be campaigned in Dubai next spring.”

Modun, who is set to carry 53kg (8st5lb) at Flemington, joins the existing Godolphin Cup team of Lost In The Moment, also on 53kg, and Cavalryman on 55kg (8st 10lb).

The owners of last year's Melbourne Cup winner Americain, Kevin and Colleen Bamford and Gerry Ryan, have boosted their chances of retaining the Cup by purchasing a 50 per cent share in the Flemington-bound Jukebox Jury.

The purchase means Americain's owners are now represented by the top and third-top weights in the famous handicap.

Americain, as short as 14-1 to retain the Cup, has 58kg (9st 2lb), while 20-1 chance Jukebox Jury is due to carry 57kg (9st).

Jukebox Jury will continue to race in the colours of current owner Alan Spence and be trained by Mark Johnston.

A press release from David Medbury Bloodstock, who brokered the deal along with Australian firm Robert Roulston Bloodstoock, said Jukebox Jury will return to Britain after the Cup to be prepared for a 2012 campaign including the Gold Cup at Ascot.

In a four-year career, the well-travelled Jukebox Jury has won in four different countries (although never in Australia) and he has already beaten Americain this season, winning the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay at Deauville with five and a half lengths in hand over the Melbourne Cup winner.