Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby has today reported that his three year old gelding and current favourite for the Melbourne Cup is back on track ahead of his run at Flemington after making a full recovery to the leg injury that was threatening him to pull out of the race.
The Newmarket based trainer revealed that Cross Counter who is now as short in some places as 8/1 to take home the trophy on November 6th, has returned to some light work and will be ready come race day in Australia after her freak set back.
The three year old gelding really came to the attention of punters when winning the Group 3 Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood and breaking the course record. He then followed this run up at the Ebor meeting at York finishing a narrow second to Stablemate Old Persian in the Group 2 Great Voltigeur.
(Credit At The Races) The Godolphin trainer said:“Cross Counter is back cantering away and he is back on track for the Melbourne Cup. He is due to do a piece of work on Saturday.
“He knocked himself and gave himself a cut so he had to have a couple of stitches but they have knitted together well.
“He has been back in exercise since Saturday and we are pleased with him. He missed those few days there but it probably didn’t do him any harm.”
Cross Counter after the Glorious Goodwood victory would have been a perfect horse to send to the St Leger but due to being a gelding, this permitted him from entering the race and the Melbourne Cup is definitely a strong alternative.