Point Of Law wins Geelong Cup, secures Melbourne Cup berth

Point Of Law won the 2400-metre Geelong Cup by half a length on October 21, securing a guaranteed place in the Melbourne Cup and becoming favourite for the November 3 race. The four-year-old was ridden by Ethan Brown and finished ahead of Small Fry, with Omni Man third. The victory came in Point Of Law’s first Australian start and only his fifth career race. The horse settled near the pace before Brown moved him to the front in the closing stages. Small Fry could not close the gap, while Omni Man finished a further 1½ lengths behind the runner-up. The Geelong Cup win gives Point Of Law a guaranteed Melbourne Cup berth at Flemington. His post-race odds were reported as 7-1, also described as 7, after he had been priced at 5.50 before the Geelong race. Those market prices reflect changing assessments before and after the win. Trainer Ciaron Maher said Point Of Law was a progressive horse and expressed hope that he would recover well from the race. Maher said the horse appeared capable of handling the Melbourne Cup’s two-mile distance, but that assessment is not confirmation he will be fit to start. His condition and preparations will determine whether he takes up the guaranteed...