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Ibicenco has bolstered his Melbourne Cup claims with a grinding win over Verdant in the Group 3 Geelong Cup on Wednesday.
The Peter Moody-trained stayer was scratched as third emergency from last Saturday's Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and instead found himself contesting a far easier assignment at Geelong on Wednesday.
Ibicenco was given an ideal ride by Brad Rawiller who positioned the son of Shirocco just outside the tempo set by Verdant.
The pair travelled well throughout in the testing conditions with Verdant pinching a break over Ibicenco in the straight.
Under the urgings of Rawiller, Ibicenco fought back doggedly and a neck win ensued.
“He has done a good job,” Moody said.
“I think the horse certainly goes better on top of the ground so it was certainly encouraging to see him tough it out under those conditions.”
Connections will now turn their attentions towards the Group 1 Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 5.
Ibicenco prior to Wednesday's Geelong Cup victory sat 42nd in the Order Of Entry having been given 52kg for the event.
The northern hemisphere five-year-old will incur a penalty for his latest success resulting in a rise up the ballot order.
“He is a genuine two miler this horse so lets hope Mr Carpenter was impressed enough to get him into the Cup,” Moody said.
“He had no joy at all. He got dragged way to far in The Metropolitan and his run before that at Caulfield he had no luck at all.
“This [Geelong Cup] has been a tremendous Melbourne Cup guide for the last decade so let's hope that continues.”
Verdant was brave in defeat for second while Moudre recorded an important minor placing, albeit 4 ¼ lengths off the winner.
Moudre has now passed the first elimination clause for the Melbourne Cup and moves up the order of entry with 52.5kg.
Crafty Cruiser finished fourth while favourite Forgotten Voice could only manage fifth.
The Nicky Henderson-trained galloper loomed large around the home turn but only battled in the straight.
Ibicenco has shortened in Melbourne Cup betting after Wednesday's Group 3 Sportingbet Geelong Cup, now quoted at $41 with the betting agency.
