Purton Lands International Melbourne Cup Ride

Absurde and Purton set for the Melbourne Cup

Purton has been chasing a Melbourne Cup victory his whole career and a plan to target the man rather than the stable looks to have come up trumps as he booked his ride in this years cup.

The Hong Kong hoop is set to partner with Absurde for the 2023 Melbourne Cup after Purton and his manager Paul Webster decided to take a unique approach finding a ride for the 3200m handicap.

"The Melbourne Cup is the race that Zac wants the most," Webster said.

"Earlier this year we discussed targeting Willie Mullins.

"Whatever he brings over, lets do everything we can to get on it and it's come to fruition. We've picked up the ride on Absurde."

Absurde has been in fine form in the UK having finished second to Melbourne Cup favourite and stablemate Vauban before winning the Group One Ebor Handicap at York last time out. 

Vauban and Absurde are the only two Mullins runners to arrive at Werribee Quarantine Centre ahead of the Melbourne Cup with Purton now locked in on the Ebor winner.

"The Melbourne Cup is the dream, it's the pinnacle for any Australian jockey," Purton said.

"Willie Mullins is a training genius, as good as anyone I've come across anywhere in the world.

"There's none better at travelling horses and he's had a couple of near misses already in the race. He knows the right type of horse to bring and I'm honoured to be riding one for him."

Absurde is currently a $19 chance to win the Melbourne Cup with stablemate Vauban, who is set to be ridden by UK jockey Ryan Moore, still holds favouritism at $4.50. 

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