A gorgeous day in Melbourne for the race that stops the nation.
It’s Melbourne Cup day and we’re set for a bumper 10-race card from Flemington today.
Rail is in the true, track will play perfectly and every runner will have their chance.
Race 1
The dash for cash up the straight for the babies.
Ingratiating showed us he is a very smart type by defeating the highly touted General Beau on debut last start.
Finance Tycoon and Treporti pose decent threats to the favourite with the former sporting the blinkers for the first time while the latter gets the in-form Jamie Kah and a dry track to improve his chances.
Marine One has jumped out very sharply and the market suggests so while Own the Night and Dosh look to have talent as well.
Suggested bet: Tough race. Could suggest something very small each-way on Treporti.
Race 2
Hard to knock the form of Joiviality. The only concern is the barrier and where she gets to in the run. She could be spotting the leaders the better of 8-10 lengths if James McDonald decides to snag her back.
Violinist is drawn nicely. She’ll put herself up on the speed and can run a bold race at double figure odds.
Twain’s Express had no luck when being caught deep at Moonee Valley last start. Might have the same issue here from barrier eight.
Sweet Reply has strung together a series of seconds this preparation but gets her best chance to break through today.
Suggested bet: If Joviality hits $3 she’s definitely worth a play.
Race 3
Not a fan of this race up the straight.
Alleboom and Hard Landing are basically equal favourites in the market with Harlem Blues next best.
Jungle Sensation won her maiden in nice style at Pakenham and Echoes in Eternity, despite still being a maiden, can run a good race.
Suggested bet: No bet.
Race 4
Another Harvey Norman ‘no interest’ race here.
Chris Waller has the favourite in Yonkers and is the leading chance here.
The stablemate Djukon is the main danger. Sin To Win should run well but he is a non-winner.
Knights Order will try to lead them from start to finish.
Suggested bet: No bet.
Race 5
Very intrigued to see where this favourite Ain’tnodeeldun and the main danger in the market Acrophobic get to in the run. Tough to see them being anywhere but a in the rear half of the field.
That horse that will get the run of the race is Made By Khan. He can either lead them up or take a sit just behind the leaders. At $21 he is a huge shout to run a big race at nice each-way odds.
Suggested bet: Made By Khan each-way.
Race 6
A competitive benchmark-90 race.
Aqueduct maps very nicely here. Should sit in the lead and prove very tough to run down. Big each-way shout.
The big improver here is Savatoxl up in distance. Was a strange set-up last start going from the mile back down to 1200m where he was very heavily backed. He gets the winkers for the first time and Hugh Bowman.
Tavidance bolted in at Flemington last start albeit in a weaker race than this. He’s very well found in the market.
Outrageous and Groundswell next best.
Suggested bet: Aqueduct each-way.
Race 7
Can’t knock the form of Verry Elleegant. She’s been fruitful for us this spring and the only knock on her here is if she can be strong over 3200m. We’re getting $13 to find out. She was still maintaining a very strong gallop after the post when winning the Caulfield Cup. Drawn perfectly here and if her win last start was anything to go by she will munch up the 3200m at Flemington. Chris Waller to get his first Melbourne Cup!
As for the rest, Tiger Moth is the international horse to be with. Drawn the Flemington grandstand but Kerrin McEvoy is a big time jockey.
Russian Camelot started favourite in the Cox Plate and was just found wanting late in the race off a hot tempo. That run should bring him on perfectly.
Oceanex is one to include in the multiples along with Persan.
Suggested bet: Verry Elleegant each-way.
Race 8
Purple Sector has return in a fine vein of form. Clear on top selection but no value at the price.
Harbour Views gets the blinkers and that might be able to spark him back into winning form.
Homesman and Odeon next best.
Suggested bet: No bet.
Race 9
Cordilla draws a barrier where she can be in clear air at the top of straight and launch her assault down the middle of Flemington.
The Closer finally draws a barrier where she can jump and settle in the first pair without having to exert too much energy. Though her run last start to finish close to the likes of Madam Rogue and Felicia was full of merit.
Rich Hips comes from the same race as The Closer and is also a good chance at long odds.
Suggested bet: The Closer and Rich Hips each way.
Race 10
Exhilarates had a very tough run sitting four wide on the pace first up when she was heavily backed in betting. Up the straight should suit her style of running and she’s drawn the right part of the track.
Holbien has had 19 starts here for only the one win but like the top pick he’s drawn the outside up the straight and thought his run first-up was good enough.
Sirius Suspect will put himself up on the pace and look the winner at around the 200m mark. Only query is whether or not he has the fitness base to see off the fast finishers.
Yao Dash trialled up nicely for this but he’s no value at the $5.5 and nor is The Astrologist.
Suggested bet: Big each way bet Exhiliarates.
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