Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne gives her tips for this year’s race

THIS time last year she won the Melbourne Cup on Prince Of Penzance. Now read who Michelle Payne is tipping for this year’s race.

I’M tipping Our Ivanhowe to win the Melbourne Cup and if the expected rain comes, I will grow in confidence.

Go back to the replay of last year’s Cup.

There was a lot of interference behind me on Prince Of Penzance and Our Ivanhowe was one horse who was stopped in his tracks in the home straight.

He ran 10th but with a clear run, I think he’d have challenged me on the Prince — although so would have a few more.

BIG BETS: PUNTER HAS $80,000 ON JAMEKA IN CUP

BEST BETS: RAY THOMAS AND RON DUFFICY GIVE THEIR TIPS

I don’t think this is a stronger edition of the race — although it can be hard to tell with so many internationals — he rises only 1kg and I’d say he might be racing a bit better than last year.

Ben Melham did a great job on Our Ivanhowe to zip across from the outside gate and get a spot on the rails behind me in running.

What was more impressive was for a horse to quickly settle into a nice rhythm after a move like that. That is so important in winning a Melbourne Cup. He could have grabbed hold of the bit after a manoeuvre like that, but he didn’t.

His Caulfield Cup run last start was a very good indication he’s in good order again for this year’s Cup and I’m sure Flemington is a better track for him.

He’s drawn barrier six. Perfect.

The key is whether we get enough rain to take the edge off the track. He is a horse who definitely appreciates that.

Kerrin McEvoy rides Our Ivanhowe to a win at Doomben. Picture: Mark Cranitch

Damien Oliver rides Almandin to victory on Turnbull Stakes Day. Picture: AAP Images.

I tend to think about So You Think when I think about Jameka’s chances.

Her class will take her a hell of a long way. If she settles she is going to be very hard to beat but she was a bit aggressive in the Caulfield Cup and she has an extra 800m to contend with this time.

I remember So You Think in 2010. His class carried him into third but I’m not sure he was a true two miler. I certainly hope I am wrong though for Ciaron Maher and Colin and Janice McKenna, what a great thrill it would be to see them pull off the double.

Almandin is a bit like Our Ivanhowe in that he is very, very honest. He settles, he gets into a nice rhythm.

MATT STEWART, DANNY RUSSELL & GILBERT GARDINER DISCUSS THE MELBOURNE CUP CONTENDERS

He’s only got 52kg and his jockey Kerrin McEvoy is in absolutely flying form. Kerrin — yes, I know he’s my brother-in-law — is a brilliant rider in staying races.

ULTIMATE GUIDE: HOW TO PICK A WINNER ON CUP DAY

PODCAST PREVIEW: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR CUP DAY

I think Almandin is a better chance than his stablemate Assign but I think Assign has a genuine chance of finishing in the top 10.

As I wrote in the Herald Sun on Saturday, Katelyn Mallyon just has to ride confidently and I’m sure she is ready to take on this year’s Melbourne Cup.

The other one is Almoonqith.

His Geelong Cup win last year was huge and I think he’s a little bit forgotten this year. His Caulfield Cup run was eye-catching and he gives himself every chance to stay.

MICHELLE’S TIPS:

1 Our Ivanhowe

2 Jameka

3 Almandin

4 Almoonqith