Hughie Morrison plotting same path for Melbourne Cup hope Marmelo

Hughie Morrison is plotting the same path for Marmelo to return for a third attempt at the Melbourne Cup, after earmarking the Prix Kergorlay at Deauville as his next target.

Having claimed the Group Two prize in 2017 and then finished down the field in the Flemington showpiece on his final start that season, the six-year-old filled the runner-up spot in both races 12 months ago.

The son of Duke Of Marmalade was narrowly denied a second success this season just last weekend when having to settle for a close and perhaps unfortunate second as he sought back-to-back victories in the Group Two Prix Maurice de Nieuil at ParisLongchamp.

Morrison said: “He came out of his last race well. He is absolutely filled with a zest of life. He is in such good form at the moment.

“I expect we will hold off with him and run him in the Kergorlay.

“That is the advantage of not winning the other day – it gives us a really nice plan.

“We have around a month to the Kergorlay, then I would hope to go straight back to Australia.

“That is what we did last year, and I think that is what the Australian team would like.”