Everything is falling into place for top Melbourne jockey Darren Gauci (above), who rode in Hong Kong for many seasons.
An application by Gauci to the Victorian Racing Appeals Tribunal against a suspension incurred in last weekend's Caulfield Cup proved well worthwhile.
Gauci had his penalty reduced by five days - his suspension now ends at midnight on Monday week - enabling him to ride the imported Darazari in the A$2,835,000 ($11.8 million) Melbourne Cup (3,200 metres) at Flemington the following day.
According to Gauci, Darazari is a 'top chance' in the Melbourne Cup following his fifth behind Taufan's Melody in the Caulfield Cup.
'The track was shifting and he wasn't really comfortable,' Gauci said of the six-year-old.
'He didn't handle that home turn that well either, but once he balanced up in the straight he finished with a rush. I don't have any doubts he'll handle the distance in the Cup.' Meanwhile, trainer Lee Freedman has Stylish Century four-year-old Buster Jones 'flying' but that may not be sufficient for him to oust General Nediym and Toledo from places in the Hong Kong International Bowl field.
