Melbourne Cup in mind for Torcedor on first start for new yard and owners

56th Preis Von Europa | Group 1 | 1m 4f | 3yo+

The silks, the trainer and the venue are new for Torcedor but his Melbourne Cup supporters will be hoping the consistency that has marked his career will remain on his first start since leaving Jessica Harrington.

Torcedor was last seen finishing second to Stradivarius in the Goodwood Cup and since then has been bought by Australian Bloodstock with the intention of running in the Melbourne Cup, for which on Saturday he was a best-priced 16-1.

The six-year-old is now with Andreas Wohler, who combined with Australian Bloodstock to win the Melbourne Cup with Protectionist four years ago.

Jamie Lovett of Australian Bloodstock emphasised the importance of Sunday’s Group 1 test in Cologne in preparation for the Flemington showpiece on November 6.

"He missed a bit of work when he changed stables so we're just looking forward to him running this weekend," Lovett told racing.com.

"We were going to bring him to Melbourne in the first shipment but it would have interrupted his prep again having to move him so soon, so we elected to leave him in Germany.

"Andreas is pleased with him but said that with such a big horse he's trying to get a handle on how much to do with him. This race will give Andreas a real indication as to his fitness levels."

The Sagaro Stakes winner, who has been partnered by Colm O’Donoghue on his last nine starts, will have Jamie Spencer on board for the first time on Sunday.

Lovett said: “We just wanted to get a good handle on where he's at and Jamie Spencer is a very good judge of speed who will be able to tell us plenty about the horse after the race."

The seven-strong opposition is headed by last year’s winner Windstoss, who was third behind Cracksman in the Coronation Cup at Epsom in June.

Varian sees opportunity

Another to run respectably at the Derby meeting was Shenanigans, who was third in the Group 3 Princess Elizabeth Stakes and contests Cologne’s Listed Preis des Casino Baden-Baden (2.20).

Trainer Roger Varian said: “Shenanigans has run well in stakes company all season and this looks an easier race on paper than some she has contested.

"She shapes like she’ll handle the step up in trip and she won’t be inconvenienced by any of the forecast rain.”

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