Champion rider Damien Oliver has the first choice moving forward on 2019 Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare, after previous rider Craig Williams opted to partner Surprise Baby in next week’s Turnbull Stakes.
Williams rode Vow And Declare in the 2019 Melbourne Cup triumph, but has chosen to part ways with the galloper and side with the Paul Preusker trained Surprise Baby.
Speaking to RSN on Wednesday morning, trainer Danny O’Brien said that Oliver had secured the ride throughout the spring.
“Damien Oliver will ride Vow and Declare, as he did in last year’s Turnbull.
“Damien will have the option going forward.”
Oliver finds himself in a strong position for the Melbourne Cup, also the first-choice rider for boom horse Russian Camelot.
Russian Camelot is an $11 chance in the Melbourne Cup, and Vow And Declare is a $31 chance.
