Haggas's Raheen House bids to boost chance of Melbourne Cup run in Bendigo Cup

5.00 Bendigo, Wednesday
Jayco Bendigo Cup (Group 3 handicap) | 1m4f

A Melbourne Cup spot is potentially at stake for Raheen House as he bids to secure a penalty for the Flemington feature by winning the Jayco Bendigo Cup on Wednesday.

The William Haggas-trained five-year-old sits 30th in the order of entry for the Lexus Melbourne Cup, in which 24 runners will line up on Tuesday week.

Victory in this Group 3 handicap could earn the Australian Bloodstock-owned stayer a penalty to improve his position.

Brenton Avdulla's mount, drawn in stall 14, finished sixth in the Ladbrokes Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield this month and connections feel a more galloping track will play to the strengths of the 2017 Bahrain Trophy winner when trained by Brian Meehan.

Jamie Lovett, director of Australian Bloodstock, said: "He didn't enjoy Caulfield on his debut in Australia, but still managed to stay on well through the line.

"We feel he's a big-track horse so hope he will be better suited to Bendigo."

Chris Waller: runs Patrick Erin, Brimham Rocks and Captain CookCredit: Racing Photos

The Chris Waller-trained Patrick Erin and Brimham Rocks, positioned 28th and 37th in the Melbourne Cup order of entry, also bid to boost their chances of getting a run in Australia's most high-profile contest.

Waller also runs the consistent Captain Cook, while the Gwenda Markwell-trained topweight Angel Of Truth is guaranteed a Melbourne Cup run in 12th spot on the back of his Australian Derby success at Randwick in April.

Sully sits bottom of the Melbourne Cup acceptances at the third stage and requires an impressive victory to give trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young hope of the Herbert Power third making the cut.

Read exclusive previews from 6pm daily on racingpost.com and the Racing Post mobile app