Melbourne Cup favourite back in work

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Goldman has commenced the first part of his build up to his assault on the $8 million Melbourne Cup (3200m).

The early favourite for ‘the race that stops the nation' booked his place in the race by winning the Roy Higgins Quality (2500m) in March.

Showing immense promise, Goldman returned to light work at Tulloch Lodge last Wednesday.

"He came back into work last week," Bott said. "He looks good, put on some good weight, he's furnished a lot.

"He's just kicking off the first part of his campaign.

"We are still finalising what races he will run in leading up to the (Melbourne) Cup.

"He's in the race so naturally, again without naming any races, the program will be around protecting him from the handicapper.

"He didn't do a lot of work prior to coming back into work so it'll probably be some time in August when you see him at the trials."

Goldman is at the top of Melbourne Cup betting at $11 with TAB.com.au while stablemate White Marlin is rated a $15 chance.

White Marlin was the first Melbourne Cup favourite when the original market opened following last year's Melbourne Cup but his place atop of betting was surrendered last week when well beaten into second place by Lunar Flare in the Andrew Ramsden.

"The plan was always for him to only have three runs this prep so he's gone for a break and now we need to adjust the plan for him into the spring," Bott said.

"I'm pretty confident he will qualify himself through the right races.

"Without locking in any races as yet, we haven't looked at anything properly but races that carry ballot exemptions and weight penalties are likely to be at the forefront as we try to qualify him.

"I know he was beaten (last start) but I thought his run was enormous and there's plenty to look forward to with him later this year."