The 163rd Melbourne Cup is the feature event at Flemington on the first Tuesday in November. With over $8,000,000 in prizemoney on offer, and the chance to be written into the racing history books, this is the race every Australian dreams about winning. Join our experts as they outline the key chances in the race that stops a nation.
The Melbourne Cup
#5 Vauban $4.00
The Melbourne Cup
#15 Lastotchka $17.00
Lastotchka stunningly claimed a Group 3 event in France before heading to Melbourne. The lightly raced mare is building an impressive career record, and her best form puts her into all winning conversations. The 3200m won’t cause her any concerns, and the appointment of Craig Williams could prove the winning difference. She has a sense of timing about her, and there has been significant market support in early betting. The awkward barrier is the primary concern.
The Melbourne Cup
#4 Breakup $16.00
The Melbourne Cup
#3 Without A Fight $5.50
Without A Fight showed a monster turn of foot to claim the Caulfield Cup in the shadows. He failed miserably in this race last year, and I suspect the camp are here for redemption. He is a better product than he was 12 months ago, and he is a live chance to create history by winning the Caulfield and Melbourne Cup double. Hard to toss if he can produce a strong 3200m.
The Melbourne Cup
#1 Gold Trip $5.50
Gold Trip is flying this preparation! The talented seven-year-old was a brilliant winner of the Turnbull Stakes and was game in defeat in the Caulfield Cup. His run in the Cox Plate caught the eye late, and I suspect he is ready to explode over the two miles. The 2002 Melbourne Cup winner needs to beat the handicapper.
The Melbourne Cup
#6 Soulcombe $9.00
Soulcombe looks poised to strike. The Frankel gelding bombed the start in the Caulfield Cup, and punters were left scratching their heads. He has been screaming out for the 3200m for 12 months, and I suspect this has been a long-range target for the big boy. His win in the Queen Elizabeth last year is still fresh in the memory bank, and I am confident Joao “The Magic Man” Moreira will get the best out of the enigmatic five-year-old. Watch for him late.
