PAT SMULLEN reckons that Galileo’s Choice could give Dermot Weld a third win in the Emirates Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 6.

Weld won Australia’s most famous race with Vintage Crop in 1993 and Media Puzzle in 2002 while Smullen finished second on the trainer’s Vinnie Roe in 2004.

Galileo’s Choice, who is a general 25-1 chance for the Melbourne Cup, has been allotted 8st 6lb for the 2m contest in which Smullen will be riding for the fifth time.

“I’m really looking forward to the ride. It’s one of the world’s greatest races and a race I’d love to win. I think I’ve got a very good ride in it this year,” Smullen told At The Races.

“He’s got in well at the weights and the boss [Dermot Weld] can obviously ready one up for the race so hopefully that will be the case.”

Galileo’s Choice has won both his starts on the Flat this year following a light campaign over hurdles during the winter and Smullen continued: “This race has always been in the boss’ mind for this horse. He’s has done very well for us this year and he goes in there with a good profile for the race.

“I think he will handle quick ground well and equally if they get rain over there and it comes up on the easy side it won’t matter. He’s very adaptable ground wise, so hopefully we’ll have no worries on that score.”

Paddy Power clipped Galileo’s Choice to 16-1 (from 25) for the Melbourne Cup.

Racingpost