$5500 buy chasing Melbourne Cup dream

As a $5500 online purchase, Alainge is “one of the most expensive” horses in Garret Lynch’s stable and, as such, it’s come as no surprise to the laconic trainer that she’s turned out to be the best.

Lynch, who trains out of Murray Bridge in South Australia, has developed a knack of sourcing inexpensive tried horses and turning them into prolific winners, sometimes at far-flung non-TAB venues but more recently in Adelaide.

He leads the SA Trainers Premiership with 66 wins – no more than his nearest rival Phillip Stokes.

In the case of Alainge, who was bought by one of Lynch’s clients Ewan Watt in May 2025, the mare has won six races and more than $200,000 in prizemoney since she joined Lynch’s care.

She gave Lynch a maiden Stakes win in the Port Adelaide Cup earlier this month and, on Saturday, she will chase a golden ticket into this year’s Melbourne Cup via victory in the Andrew Ramsden Stakes at Flemington.

Lynch admits he isn’t a man easily excited but he said a Melbourne Cup start is a huge motivator.

“That (Melbourne Cup) is the real goal,” Lynch said.

“After her Adelaide Cup run, where we were 27 lengths last at the 800m and flew home to run fifth, I thought we’d have a crack at qualifying her for the Melbourne Cup.

“The runner-up in the Adelaide Cup was beaten half a length in the Sydney Cup so the form is looking OK.

“I think she probably could’ve won the Adelaide Cup if she was in the race a bit closer.

“It (Melbourne Cup dream) is starting to come to fruition.”

Although Alainge is $23 with Bet365 for the Ramsden, Lynch thinks she can win if she can settle forward of midfield from barrier three.

She is next likely to tackle the Listed Sandown Cup before a short freshen-up ahead of the spring.

“She pulled up really well from the Port Adelaide Cup run,” he said.

“She was quite impressive there in the worst part of the track.

“I think she’s a nice chance there (Ramsden) as long as we aren’t too far back in the run.

“After the Ramsden we will probably go to the Sandown Cup which is over two miles.

“Then she might have a few weeks in the paddock and aim up at a Melbourne Cup tilt.”