Maluckyday headlines a big day at Randwick

The Hawkes Racing-trained Maluckyday is still a chance of a start in the Melbourne Cup after a thumping win in the Listed City Tattersalls Club Cup (2400m) in front of almost 14,000 racegoers at Randwick on Saturday.

Maluckyday, is a son of Zabeel and he remains entered in the Melbourne Cup with Saturday’s win jumping him from 75th to equal 42nd in the order of entry.

The victory gave the team from Hawkes Racing a winning double after earlier in the day they saddled up the impressive Zaira who recorded her fourth win at start six in the Diona - Rose Of Tralee Handicap (1400m).

But, the star of the Hawkes team's show was Maluckyday whose maiden stakes win ensures he is fully qualified should the stable elect to send him to Melbourne in a quest for their maiden Melbourne Cup victory.

"It all depends on how he pulls up now," co-trainer Michael Hawkes said. "He may end up in the paddock but he may end up in Melbourne.

"We could've taken on the Group One horses in the Metrop but elected to wait for this race and he's come through with flying colours.

"He's passed Clause A (for the Melbourne Cup) now."

Maluckyday defeated Kontiki Park from the Gai Waterhouse stable with Legsman well beaten in third.

Maluckyday is owned by Melbourne Cup winning owner Nick Moraitis who combined with Maluckyday’s jockey Jim Cassidy to taste victory in the race that stops the nation in 1997 with Might And Power.

Cassidy said Maluckyday is “the real deal” and has the perfect temperament for a stayer.

"If he goes (to Melbourne) I will be going with him, don't worry about that," Cassidy said.

"He's just doing everything right and you can't ask him to do more than that.

"He's the real deal."

The Group II Lexus Quality (2500m) at Flemington on October 30 would be the most likely target for Maluckyday in Melbourne as it carries ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup for the winner.

Story by Clinton Payne RaceNet.com.au

Photo by Martin King Sportpix