The team behind Warp Speed is optimistic about the Japanese stayer’s prospects in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup, despite a disappointing performance in the Caulfield Cup. According to stable representative Kosi Kawakami, Warp Speed has been in good form since the race, and they’re confident a return to dry, fast-paced conditions will allow him to showcase his strengths.

In the Caulfield Cup, Warp Speed faced challenges on a wet, sticky track—conditions that Japanese horses seldom encounter. He also suffered a bump at the start, forcing him to sit back throughout the race. “We can definitely forgive that run, and we can actually forget that run,” Kawakami explained.

With barrier 3 for the 3200m Melbourne Cup, the team is focusing on a clean start and a strong position for Warp Speed to fully use his stamina. Japanese jockey Akira Sugawara, 23, will ride Warp Speed and plans to walk the Flemington track with the team on Monday to familiarise himself with the course.

“Hopefully he can get clean out the gates… so he can utilise his stamina, which is his strong point,” Kawakami said, looking forward to a strong performance on Cup Day.

Melbourne Cup Odds:

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1. Vauban (10)

J: William Buick

T: Willie Mullins

2. Buckaroo (20)

J: Joao Moreira

T: Chris Waller

3. Circle Of Fire (23)

J: Mark Zahra

T: Ciaron Maher

4. Warp Speed (2)

J: Akira Sugawara

T: N Takagi

5. Kovalica (16)

J: Damian Lane

T: Chris Waller

6. Sharp ‘N’ Smart (14)

J: Michael Dee

T: Graeme & Debbie Rogerson

7. Just Fine (12)

J: Jye McNeil

T: G Waterhouse & A Bott

8. Land Legend (17)

J: Zac Purton

T: Chris Waller

9. Absurde (6)

J: Kerrin McEvoy

T: Willie Mullins

10. Athabascan (2)

J: Zac Lloyd

T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton

11. Knight’s Choice (5)

J: Robbie Dolan

T: J G Symons & S Laxon

12. Okita Soushi (9)

J: Jamie Kah

T: Ciaron Maher

13. Onesmoothoperator (11)

J: Craig Williams

T: Brian Ellison

14. Zardozi (3)

J: Andrea Atzeni

T: James Cummings

15. Sea King (1)

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Harry Eustace

16. Valiant King (21)

J: Craig Newitt

T: Chris Waller

17. Fancy Man (18)

J: Ron Stewart

T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald

18. Interpretation (13)

J: Teodore Nugent

T: Ciaron Maher

19. Manzoice (7)

J: Declan Bates

T: Chris Waller

20. Mostly Cloudy (15)

J: Karis Teetan

T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young

21. Positivity (19)

J: Winona Costin

T: Andrew Forsman

22. Saint George (8)

J: Tyler Schiller

T: Ciaron Maher

23. The Map (22)

J: Rachel King

T: Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray

24. Trust In You (4)

J: Mark Du Plessis

T: Bruce Wallace & Grant Cooksley