Racing: Hume on highway to Flemington start

BRISBANE - Queensland jockey Stathi Katsidis is closely monitoring his weight ahead of a possible surprise Melbourne Cup tilt with Hume.

Katsidis has managed to sway experienced trainer Brian Smith to start Hume in next month's Melbourne Cup if the stayer wins the Saab Quality (2500m) at Flemington on Derby Day.

Smith, of Balmerino fame, originally sent Hume to Melbourne to test the waters for a bid at next year's Cup.

However, the 6-year-old performed above expectations in his return to Melbourne when storming home late to finish fourth, less than two lengths from the winner Baughurst, in the Coongy Handicap (2000m) at Caulfield last Saturday.

The son of Zabeel began his career in Victoria before he was sold to clients of Smith at a Lloyd Williams dispersal sale.

"It was the perfect Melbourne Cup trial," Katsidis said.

"I'm being very careful with my weight at the moment because if he wins the Saab he'll run in the Melbourne Cup.

"My weight is good and if I'm given enough time I should be right to ride 51kg. Hume's got 50kg for the Cup but he should get a penalty if he wins the Saab."

Katsidis rode another Queenslander, Golden Slipper winner Phelan Ready, at 52kg when the 3-year-old was runner-up to Danleigh in the Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley last month.

"I only had a week to get down to 52kg to ride Phelan Ready in the Manikato Stakes and I did it easily," Katsidis said.

"I could easily have made 51kg that day and I'll have no trouble getting down to Hume's weight for the Melbourne Cup if he wins the Saab and gets a penalty."

Smith cannot fault Hume since he arrived in Melbourne and is amazed how well he's come through his Coongy Handicap run.

"He definitely should have run second to Baughurst on Saturday and he's come out of the run very well and has put on weight," Smith said.

"He's 8kg heavier now than when he first arrived in Melbourne. He never leaves an oat and if he wins the Saab then it comes down to a decision whether or not we pay a late fee of $42,000 to run in the Melbourne Cup.

"Ideally, I like to space his runs but he's in the Melbourne Cup and he'll qualify for it if he can win the Saab."

Meanwhile, Smith will send promising stablemate Moncalieri to Melbourne tonight for the Wakeful Stakes (2000m) on Derby Day.

Moncalieri was scratched at the barrier at Randwick last Saturday.

Smith has a big opinion of Moncalieri although she ran below her best when beating just one home in the Reginald Allen Quality (1400m) at Randwick last month.

- AAP