Irish hopes five-fold for O’Brien’s third Melbourne Cup success

Irish trainer Joseph O'Brien will target a third Melbourne Cup victory with five runners entered in Tuesday's 3200m race at Flemington. The contingent marks the largest group O'Brien has sent to the event, featuring three-year-old James J Braddock, seven-year-old mare Goodie Two Shoes, Kizlyar, Sons And Lovers, and Trustyourinstinct. The stable previously won the race with Rekindling and Twilight Payment.

Race planner Kevin Blake confirmed the squad remains in strong spirits despite losing Defiantly after veterinary inspections deemed the stayer unsuitable to run. Blake highlighted favorable conditions for several runners while hoping for a strong pace in the two-mile test, noting that jockey James McDonald will partner with Trustyourinstinct.