Crystal Black all but stamped his own passport in Ireland overnight, but will his form line be a help or a hindrance in the Irish’s quest for a Melbourne Cup?
The Gerard Keane-trained gelding crushed his three rivals in the Gr. 3 Ballyroan Stakes overnight, continuing his winning streak and knocking off the Melbourne Cup ballot clause, declaring him eligible to chase glory on the first week of November.
Crystal Black follows the same formline as last year’s Cup favourite—and flop—Vauban, having won at Royal Ascot the start before winning at the Ballyroan and jetting down under. Vauban infamously stole the punter’s money before faltering and finishing a distant 14th behind Without A Fight.
Crystal Black currently sits as an equal favourite for the Melbourne Cup, matching Circle of Fire at $15 with some bookies.
*Odds accurate at the time of publication*
