2008 Melbourne Cup under siege from abroad

With the possibility of a record nine international runners, will the 2008 Melbourne Cup head north? Following the Internationals’ dominant display of form in the Caulfield Cup, a traditional lead-up and classic mile-and-a-half handicap, this is the five million dollar question surrounding Australia’s richest and most popular horse race.

As the most prestigious two-mile handicap in the world and signature event on the global racing calendar, the $5.5 million Melbourne Cup attracts both local superstars and the best of the overseas raiders – all seeking their moment of glory and a share of the prize. So how do this year’s Melbourne Cup hopefuls stack up?

The International Contingent
The Godolphin Stable emphatically stated their intentions in the Caulfield Cup when ALL THE GOOD, after jumping at $41, sat three wide with cover for most of the race and broke brilliantly under Kerrin McEvoy to salute by 3/4-length. He has now firmed from $51 to $13 in the Melbourne Cup.

Another international raider to shine in the Caulfield Cup was the Luca Cumani trained MAD RUSH. Overcoming barrier 17 and a luckless run, he showed remarkable dexterity to come from last at the turn and score a dazzling fourth without ever truly being tested. His run did not escape bookmakers who cut his price in the Cup to $6.

News gets even worse for local hopes, as the best of the bunch hasn’t even set foot on the turf yet. If the words of his trainer Aiden O’Brien and the combined opinion of many ‘in the know’ are anything to go by, then European Stayer of the Year, and early favourite, SEPTIMUS ($5.50) is bulletproof in the event. HONOLULU ($18) and ALESSANDRO VOLTA ($71) complete O’Brien’s trio.

The cross continental raid is further bolster by the Dermot Weld trained PROFOUND BEAUTY ($18), Janet Chapple-Hyam's YELLOWSTONE ($61),  French mare VAREVEES ($81) and Luca Cumani's BAUER ($51), a stablemate of MAD RUSH.

From the across the Tasman, NOM DE JEU produced a noteworthy Melbourne Cup trail closing rapidly on ALL THE GOOD to finish second in the Caulfield Cup. Priced at $13 he is the Kiwi’s best bet in the race.

Local Hopes
Despite the strength of the international contingent, it’s not all doom and gloom for local stables with the home charge led by last year’s Cup champion EFFICIENT ($7). The striking grey gelding has been set solely at a repeat performance, with a focused Spring campaign that should have him at his peak for the race. He will however have to carry 58kg in his quest for back-to-back success.  

Turnbull Stake’s victor LITTORIO ($17), who ran fifth in the Caulfield Cup, is better suited to the wider spaces Flemington and could feature if he gets a decent run.

Although unconfirmed at this point, last year’s Melbourne Cup favourite MASTER O’ REILLY ($18) is another local prospect. His shot hinges on his Cox Plate performance this weekend.

The conclusion
History has shown that the best horse doesn’t always take home the prize, especially in a gruelling and highly charged staying challenge like the Melbourne Cup. In fact, roughies have scored twice in the last two years, Delta Blues in 2006 and Efficient in 2007 – both set out at $16.

The Melbourne Cup is one of the great value races of the year for punters. Picking a winner (especially if playing the Exotics) can result in a healthy return.  Such is the popularity of Australia’s biggest betting event that it is deemed “the race that stops a nation”.

Figures show that approximately 80-90% of Australians bet on the race with over $100 million being wagered across the country – making it the “day of the year” for both bookmakers and punters.


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