Onesmoothoperator storms into Cup contention

Onesmoothoperator posted his first win since the 2024 Geelong Cup when taking out Friday night's Moonee Valley Gold Cup.

The 8yo gelding sat towards the tail of the field and was relegated to last as they turned for home. However, as the field packed, jockey Mark Zahra quickly extricated him to the outside and he showed a strong turn of foot, winning with a bit in hand on the line.

Trainer Brian Ellison was on hand to watch his star stayer. "He's been working really well," said Ellison.

"At one stage I thought we had a bit to do, but when he (Zahra) pulled him out, he picked up well.”

"I know he's got a great turn of foot, but you just can't ride him handy, you have to ride him for luck. He rode him well."

Onesmoothoperator has firmed into $11 for the Melbourne Cup with Ellison suggesting "he will improve for the run."

"We want ten days with no dramas, like we had last year."

"He will run well at Flemington. I'm not saying he's going to win it, because it's a really hot race, he won't disgrace himself."

Champion hoop Mark Zahra was in the saddle on Friday night but Harry Coffey will take the ride on the first Tuesday in November. Coffey will be out to add a Melbourne Cup to the Caulfield Cup he collected aboard Duke De Sessa last year.

Onesmoothooperator was originally going to defend his Geelong Cup title on Wednesday, but was scratched from the rescheduled Thursday edition due to the soft ground.