Harry Eustace is optimistic yet cautious as Sea King faces formidable competition from fellow European entries in Tuesday’s prestigious Lexus Melbourne Cup. The 24-strong lineup includes two UK contenders—Sea King and Brian Ellison’s Onesmoothoperator—as well as the Irish-trained Vauban and Absurde, both handled by the renowned Willie Mullins.
Eustace has a recent benchmark for Onesmoothoperator, who finished just a nose behind Sea King in the Ebor, and is well aware of the credentials of Mullins' runners. Vauban recently placed second to Kyprios in the Irish St Leger, while Absurde claimed a comfortable Listed victory at Chester. Notably, Absurde ran seventh at Flemington last year, while Vauban struggled to 14th place, and neither had a preparatory race in Australia—unlike Onesmoothoperator and Eustace’s Bendigo Cup winner, Sea King.
"I may be biased, but the European entries look very strong. Onesmoothoperator performed well at Geelong, and our horse was just ahead of him in the Ebor," Eustace told Grosvenor Sport. "The Cup in recent years has been about quality horses, and I have immense respect for Mullins’ team. Vauban has competed against Kyprios, and Absurde is an Ebor winner who ran impressively in this race last year."
Despite the quality field, Eustace is mindful of the Melbourne Cup’s handicap nature, which can sometimes produce surprises. "We’re hoping it might be our turn," he added.
Hollie Doyle will ride Sea King for the first time at Flemington, with the five-year-old drawn in stall one, which Eustace believes could suit them. "Ideally, you wouldn’t pick stall one, but given Sea King was a bit keen in the Bendigo Cup, this may help Hollie get him nicely covered early on. I prefer being drawn low, so we’re content."
Eustace is also confident about Sea King’s ability to handle the two-mile distance but plans a slight equipment adjustment for the Cup. "He was a bit too eager in blinkers during the Bendigo Cup, so we’re considering switching to cheekpieces. It’s hard to alter a winning setup, but I think this change could help."
Sea King races just six days after his Bendigo win, a quick turnaround not typical for a major race. However, Eustace is unconcerned, believing the recent effort may take some of the freshness out, helping him settle more efficiently.
Eustace, who took over his training licence from his father James in 2021, acknowledges his family’s support. His father, who bet on Sea King at 100-1 before his Bendigo win, is "enjoying the ride," while his brother David, a former Melbourne Cup winner with Ciaron Maher, has offered valuable advice, especially in favour of keeping the blinkers.
Sea King began his career with Sir Mark Prescott in the UK, winning five of 18 starts before joining Eustace’s stable. "Sir Mark has been very gracious, writing us a modest letter about his role in the horse’s career," Eustace noted. He credits much of Sea King’s recent success to Laura Pike, who has worked closely with the horse since quarantine.
As the race draws near, ex-Joseph O’Brien-trained Buckaroo leads the betting under Chris Waller, while other contenders include Godolphin’s Zardozi and Land Legend, now trained by James Ferguson.
With such a competitive field, Eustace and his team are hopeful Sea King’s European form, determination, and recent preparation will be enough to bring home the Melbourne Cup.