Drakenstein Stud’s red-hot resident sire Duke Of Marmalade has strong connections to two potential starters in November’s AUS$6.25 million G1 Emirates Melbourne Cup.
Not only is the former Cartier Champion the sire of Melbourne Cup entrant Marmelo, but his talented half-brother Annus Mirabilis also holds an entry in the race “which stops a nation.”
Duke Of Marmalade son Marmelo, one of Europe’s best stayers, has been in great form in 2017, winning both the G2 Darley Prix Kergorlay and G3 Prix de Barbeville, and also running second in the G2 Prix Maurice de Nieuil.
The four-year-old colt is also a possibility for Europe’s greatest race, the G1 Qatar Prix de’l Arc de Triomphe, on October 1st. Trained by Hughie Morrison, Marmelo also holds an entry in both the G1 BMW Caulfield Cup and G1 Corner Group International Irish St Leger.
Duke Of Marmalade, whose notable siblings include G1 Investec Derby winner and Coolmore sire Ruler Of The World, is also a half-brother to Melbourne Cup entrant, and G2 SAJC Adelaide Cup winner, Annus Mirabilis.
Five time G1 winner Duke Of Marmalade has enjoyed another fantastic run of success in 2017, with his top runners including the charismatic G1 Gold Cup winner Big Orange (with that six time group winner currently the front runner for the Cartier Champion Stayer award) and recent G2 Sky Classic Stakes winner, and potential G1 Pattison Canadian International runner, Can’thelpbelieving.