The Melbourne Cup is Australia’s most lucrative horse race and with the prize purse this year standing at $6.2m (AUD), it’s also one of the richest in the world. As usual, there will be a large European contingent competing for glory on the other side of the globe in this incredibly popular and competitive handicap.
The two mile event is open to thoroughbreds three years and older and as always, starts at 3pm (local time) on the first Tuesday of November. A huge global audience is expected to tune into the action at Flemington which is often referred to as “the race that stops a nation”.
Trends To Look Out For
Carrying a little extra weight has rarely been a hindrance in recent years, with nine of the last 10 winners all carrying at least 53 kilos (8st 5lbs). Being the top weight however has proven to be too much and most top-handicapped horses have failed to win a single renewal in this time, managing just one placed finish.
While many of the names featuring this Tuesday have faced a long journey to reach Australia, some recent racing action seems to be a must for any horse looking to clinch glory here. Every single winner in the past decade had last featured no more than 28 days prior to claiming glory at Flemington.
Betting Tips
- Main Pick – Oceanographer at 9/1
- Alternative Tip – Exospheric at 22/1
Godolphin have tried and failed many times here before so they’ll be hoping that the favourite Hartnell can do the business for them this time. The five year old faces plenty of competition though and will have to see off the challenge of 23 other runners. Being the favourite has been little benefit here in recent years however, with just one favourite winning in the last 10 renewals. His price of 4/1 with Bet365 seems a little skinny given that he hasn’t raced further than 10 furlongs since a poor run in this race last year. He’s not badly handicapped nor does he had a bad draw but the huge jump up in distance is reason to be cautious.
As an alternative to Hartnell, look no further than another Godolphin runner, Oceanographer, who was seen in Flemington on Saturday when winning the Lexus Stakes. At twelve and a half furlongs, it was his furthest victory so far but he looks to have extra in the tank for the step up here. His trainer, Chris Appleby, is in hot form at the moment and whatever he’s been doing lately, it should be to the benefit of his four year old. He’s two pounds under the handicap trend but his generous rating mean he’s worth backing to be exception to the rule.
In the each way market, Exospheric cannot be ignored. He’ll benefit hugely from having already made his debut on Australian soil in mid-October, finishing a very respectable third in the Caulfield Cup. An improved showing should be made as his acclimatises to the new surroundings and he has the benefit of a trainer who has won this race five times previously. He’s competed with some great names in Britain and it looks like he’ll be able to show his class in Flemington on Tuesday.