Urban Outlook ready to fire in Adelaide Cup despite wide draw

A carpark draw hasn’t dented Sheila Laxon’s confidence in Urban Outlook, who will look to stamp his Melbourne Cup claims in Monday’s G2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) at Morphettville.

The imported stayer was handed barrier 16 at Friday morning’s draw and is rated a $21 chance in Bet365’s market for the staying classic.

Laxon said Urban Outlook can let go with a sharp turn of speed at the end of his races and she’s comfortable if jockey Ash Morgan opts to concede ground and ride a patient race on the six-year-old.

“I don’t really mind him being out there, at least he (Ash Morgan) can decide where he wants to be in the race,” Laxon said.

“He can travel well within himself and launch his attack when he’s ready because he does wind up from a long way out so I probably prefer him out there than drawing in."

“If they have that sprint, they can sit back and still outgun them, like Knight’s Choice did in the Melbourne Cup."

“At least if you’ve got that speed, you can give yourself options."

“I think he will be competitive, then we can plan ahead with a lot of confidence.”

Urban Outlook has been a work in progress since joining the stable but he has emerged as a progressive stayer this campaign with wins over 3000m at Sandown and 2600m at Cranbourne.

Laxon remains hopeful he can chase a third Melbourne Cup win for the stable later this year after success in 2024 with Knight’s Choice and 2001 with Ethereal.

“Certainly off what I’ve seen, he’s got huge potential and certainly that first win gave me confidence that he might be a Melbourne Cup horse,” she said.

“That win (at Sandown) got me excited about where we can go with this horse."

“We’re still on a learning curve with him but we are excited about him going forward."

“The Adelaide Cup is an incredible race and I think he can be very competitive."

“We’d love to end up in a Melbourne Cup with him and to me he’s shown he can get there.”

Highland Bling retained favouritism for the Adelaide Cup at $4.60 despite drawing barrier 17, while Berkeley Square (barrier 1 - $5), Newfoundland (barrier 15 - $7) and Hurry Curry (barrier 4 - $8.50) are in the market with Bet365.