Prince Of Arran all but secures Melbourne Cup spot with brave Geelong win

Agony for the Charlie Fellowes team 12 days ago turned to ecstasy on a sweltering afternoon in Victoria when Prince Of Arran significantly boosted his chances of gaining a start in the Lexus Melbourne Cup with victory in the Geelong Cup.

Michael Walker's mount repelled the strong late challenge of the Willie Mullins-trained True Self to land the A$400,000 (£212,560/€246,240) Group 3 handicap by a head.

The Saeed bel Obaida-owned Prince Of Arran was narrowly denied in the Ladbrokes Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield this month and has moved to 23rd from 37th in the order of entry for the Melbourne Cup, in which he finished third last year.

Greg Carpenter, chief handicapper at Racing Victoria, issued Prince Of Arran with a 1kg penalty on Thursday morning, taking his racing weight to 54kg.

Natasha Eaton, travelling head groom for Fellowes, said: "I hope they're all having a champagne breakfast in Newmarket!

Charlie Fellowes: has enjoyed his best season to date with 31 winners in BritainCredit: Vince Caligiuri (Getty Images)

"He's a horse with a massive heart and thrives in Australia. He was unlucky in the Herbert Power giving the winner a lot of weight and Michael [Walker] gave him a phenomenal ride today."

Walker was quick to praise the important role that Eaton plays with Prince Of Arran and is looking forward to heading to Flemington on November 5.

Walker said: "He's a fighter and has a big heart. I love this horse and Natasha does a great job in preparing for these big races when he's on his travels.

"Bring on the Melbourne Cup – it will be a special day for Charlie, Natasha and all the team."

Prince Of Arran was shortened to a general 20-1 (from 25) to win the Melbourne Cup next month.

Owners OTI Racing have leased True Self for the Spring Carnival and shareholders had a mixture of delight and frustration in watching her finish a narrow second, while they also took third with the John Hammond-trained Haky. Ebor runner-up Red Galileo was close behind in fifth.

Terry Henderson, director of OTI Racing, said: "It was an excellent run from True Self and I'm delighted for Charlie [Fellowes] who is a good guy. If anyone was going to beat us, I'm glad it was him.

"She's a lovely mare and the Matriarch Stakes could be a nice race for her with a view to heading to Hong Kong, while Haky is on the way up and will head to the Lexus."

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