Melbourne Cup the aim for rising star Rodrigo Diaz after Australian investment

Fewer European horses are set to make the 10,000-mile trip for this year's Lexus Melbourne Cup, but one that will is Rodrigo Diaz after owners Quantum Leap Racing sold a 50 per cent stake in the four-year-old to Australian Bloodstock.

The David Simcock-trained son of Golden Horn was raised 6lb to a mark of 96 after finishing second at Newbury in a valuable handicap, but will need to make further leaps up the ladder to get into 'the race that stops a nation'.

He could return to the Berkshire venue on Saturday in an attempt to do just that as his name was among 12 entries for the Group 3 BetVictor Geoffrey Freer alongside Hukum, Ilaraab and Red Verdon. Northumberland Plate winner Nicholas T and Golden Pass, who is two from three this season, were also among the entries at the five-day stage.

Eamonn O'Connor of Quantum Leap Racing said: "The intention is to go to Melbourne, before returning to the UK to target northern hemisphere Cup races in 2022. We hope Rodrigo Diaz can provide plenty of thrills for both our current syndicate owners and our new partners in both hemispheres.

Rodrigo Diaz career details

"We are delighted to have done this deal with Australian Bloodstock. Jamie Lovett and Luke Murrell clearly share our enthusiasm for the horse and, having considerable experience in travelling European horses to Australia, including Protectionist to win the Cup in 2014, his team's experience will be invaluable.

"This is especially so in a year when many Europeans have decided that the hurdles in getting to the Cup are insurmountable."

The Melbourne Cup is the longterm aim for Rodrigo DiazCredit: Daniel Pockett (Getty Images)

Lovett, of Australian Bloodstock, added: "We have long held a good opinion of Rodrigo Diaz, we feel he is the ideal type for the Lexus Melbourne Cup. We have a very high regard for his trainer David Simcock and his regular rider Jamie Spencer."

Only 16 internationally-trained horses have been entered across the three major races of the Spring Carnival – the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate.

Aidan O'Brien, Charlie Appleby and Saeed bin Suroor are among those who usually send a number of runners who have decided to miss the Carnival this year amid the introduction of stricter veterinary checks and ongoing coronavirus restrictions.

Newbury's feature race on Saturday, the Group 2 BetVictor Hungerford Stakes, has a field of 19 at the five-day stage with the Charlie Appleby-trained Space Blues heading the market at 7-2, with a trio of Shadwell-owned horses - Motakhayyel, Mutasaabeq and Danyah next in the betting at prices ranging from 5-1 to 6-1.

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