Crystal Black targeting Melbourne Cup after dominant run in Ireland

Irish gelding Crystal Black cemented himself as a genuine Melbourne Cup contender this week after yet another strong performance. The six-year-old won the Xin Gin Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown Racecourse in his native Ireland by five lengths.  
 
The Group 3 win was Crystal Black’s fifth straight victory. While he’s still untested in Group 1 races, Crystal Black’s trainers are now vying for a coveted place in the upcoming Lexus Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse this November.  

Crystal Black secures spot on Melbourne Cup ballot  

Crystal Black’s trainer Gerard Keane did not know what to think heading into the Group 3 Xin Gin Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown on Thursday (Friday morning AEST).  
 
The gelding had won each of his last four races, but he was unknown at Group 3 level. A top three finish would secure Crystal Black a place on the Melbourne Cup ballot. Not only did the six-year-old finish in the top three, Crystal Black won the race by five lengths.  
 
“From a 77 (official rating) to a Group 3 (win), that’s some horse,” Keane said after the race. 
 
“It’s hard to believe it, or even fathom it,” the trainer added.   

“Solid handicapper” to Melbourne Cup contender 

Crystal Black’s impressive Ballyroan Stakes doesn’t guarantee him a place in the Melbourne Cup, but the horse racing betting market definitely thinks he will be there.  
 
The gelding is now joint-favourite to win the Melbourne Cup. The consensus Melbourne Cup betting odds have him level with Circle of Fire at $15. Tower of London trails just behind with $17 odds to win.  
 
Speaking after the win on Thursday, Gerard Keane talked about how surprised and proud of his horse he was.  
 
“It's exciting times,” the trainer said.  
 
“We thought he’d be a solid handicapper to be honest, and, with luck, go jumping because he’s such a big horse. 
 
“When he started winning, that ruled out jumping in case something ended up happening to him and he probably won’t now.” 
 
With jumping out, what is on the cards for Crystal Black. According to Keane, it’s the Melbourne Cup.  
 
“To get over today was the main plan and I suppose now, that’s the next plan to try and aim for that (the Melbourne Cup) 
 
“Hopefully we can get him there and pass all that he needs to get there.” 

The final Melbourne Cup runners list will be announced in early November.