Hadwin saw Nicholl on the training ground next morning. Bellshaw was there, standing some distance away.
"Will you ride Barellan in the Melbourne Cup?" asked Ivor.
"What sort of a chance has he?"
"A winning chance. You can have the leg up on him this morning; he's just coming out."
"All right," agreed Nicholl.
"Then come with me," said the trainer.
When Barellan came out with Nicholl up there was a stir among the watchers. Luke Nicholl was one of the best jockeys. There were few to equal him, and it was known he had not a mount in the Cup, as he declined to tie himself down. His appearance on Barellan at once set tongues wagging as to the possibility of his riding the horse in the Cup. Nicholl liked the way Barellan moved. He knew he was a good game animal, and 8st. 7lb. was a nice weight. He could do it comfortably.
"He moves well," said Nicholl, when he dismounted.
"You'll find him a far different horse in a race. He's not a track horse," said Ivor. "Will you accept the mount?"
"It all depends."