Ciaron Maher is leaning towards a Geelong Cup (2400m) start for Gilded Water despite having a back-up plan in Friday night’s Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m).

Damaging winds and up to 15mm of rain are forecast for Geelong, but Maher says he’ll run if conditions hold.
“If the weather stays, he will run at Geelong,” Maher said. “He’s got no weight, looks well-weighted and he’s in great order.”

The gelding, owned by His Majesty The King, must win one of the two races to secure a start in the Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 4, with both offering ballot exemptions.

After finishing third in The Bart Cummings (2500m), Maher has added a norton bit and replaced Jamie Kah with Declan Bates.

“He’s got that X-factor,” Maher said. “I think he’s the right horse, with no weight, and hopefully we can sneak him into The Cup.”

Gilded Water heads Geelong Cup betting at $2.20.