TRAINER DERMOT WELD SAYS CUP START HINGES ON THE HANDICAPPER

BOOKMAKERS in Australia and England have shortened the Irish mare Profound Beauty to outright favoritism for the Melbourne Cup following her overnight win in the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown.

“The race panned out well for us and she'll run in the Irish St Leger next,” trainer Dermot Weld said. “The Melbourne Cup remains a possibility in November but her participation will depend on how we are treated by the Australian handicapper.”

Profound Beauty, which ran fifth to Viewed in last year’s Flemington two-miler, has firmed to $15 with English bookmakers William Hill while she is in to $13 with corporate bookies in Fixed Odds pre-post betting in Australia.

“She is a better horse that she was when she was beaten two and a half lengths last year. But she has to be better if she is going to figure this year. It all depends on what weight she gets,” Weld said.

He revealed that jockey Glen Boss was on the ‘phone soon after her win at Leopardstown keen to clinch the Cup mount. “Let’s wait and see what weight she gets before committing to anything,” Weld said.

The Ballyroan Stakes win was the third from as many starts for Profound Beauty this campaign and she beat English St Leger fancy, Mourayan. “That was a very impressive performance,” Weld said. “She was very fit and very right for today’s race but the runner-up may just have needed the run.”

John Oxx, trainer of Mourayan, was pleased with his colt's run, his first since finishing third in the Irish Derby in June. “He ran a very good race and the winner is a good filly. The ground was probably plenty fast for him and he would appreciate more of an ease and a longer trip.”

Weld also has Ghimaar, $31 and Director King, $51, entered for the Melbourne Cup. “Ghimaar won impressively at his first try over two miles in the Summer Handicap at Galway. He is a very promising four-year-old that has been looking for the extra trip.

“Director King has been out for a year with leg and back problems. He is coming right but to get him ready for the Melbourne Cup might be a bit ambitious.”

Australian bookmakers have Profound Beauty a $13 favorite in latest Melbourne Cup markets ahead of last year’s winner, Viewed, at $15, with C’est La Geurre, Changingoftheguard, Rebel Raider and Speed Gifted on the $17 line.