Melbourne Cup 2014: Boo Bailey’s A-Z of the horse race that stops the nation
THE Melbourne Cup 2014 is set to bring the nation to a halt at 3pm Tuesday. Boo Bailey brings you his essential A-Z guide.
THE Melbourne Cup 2014 is set to bring the nation to a halt at 3pm today. Boo Bailey brings you his essential A-Z guide.
A IS FOR ADMIRE RAKTI
The Japanese Caulfield Cup winner has been on a strict rice diet after being alotted a massive
58.5kg for the big race. Will carry more weight than Clive Palmer,but remains a geniune heavyweight chance.
B IS FOR BEALE
Fiery but talented little colt who has recently earned the wrath of stewards. Will be running home late ... hopefully in time to meet team curfew.
C IS FOR CAVALRYMAN
Watch for this bloke charging out of the pack when the tough get going, or there’s a photo opportunity. Should be easy to distinguish in the run sporting red speedos.
TITLE: Super Racing
D IS FOR DAMIEN OLIVER
A champion jockey on a potentially champion horse makes for, well ... Mutual Respect.
E IS FOR EAR PLUGS
The order of the day at around 3pm to combat the deafening roar when they jump.
Also come in handy 15 minutes later for the Govenor-General’s speech.
FIS FOR FLEMINGTON
Home of the Cup and a hundred thousand hangovers. The only place you want to be today and the last place you want to be.
G IS FOR GPS
With five foreign jockeys in the race this could be a trainer’s best friend. The one race of the year where speed maps are replaced with a Gregorys.
HIS FOR HAYNE PLANE
Former local champ now trained in the States. Major gear change with helmet and shoulder pads on. Still learning what it’s all about and prefer him in something easier.
I IS FOR IMPORTS
With more international visitors than the G20 summit this year’s race will be a classic case of “spot the Aussie”.
J IS FOR JOURNEY
3200 gruelling metres or two miles in the old language . A similiar distance you’ll probably cover to the ATM and back today.
K IS FOR THE KIWIS
Our arch nemesis from over the ditch. Have seven NZ-bred runners in the race ...and not a single sheep amongst them.
LIS FOR LONGSHOT
If the favourite’s too short for you then Unchain My Heart at 201/1 could be your go. You’ll be either hitchhiking home or on your way to the Cayman Islands by 3.05pm this afternoon.
M IS FOR MOREIRA
The Brazilian jockey who’s bringing Carnaval to the carnival. Look for a Peter Allen impersonation if his mount Signoff wins, hopefully leading a conga line to the bookies’payout
NIS FOR NINE YEAR OLDS
With Red Cadeaux, Cavalryman and Royal Diamond only a cake away from double figures this year’s race is more like a handicap zone than a handicap race.
OIS FOR OPINION
Might be the one to back if you don’t have one.
P IS FOR PROTECTIONIST
The fastest thing to come out of Germany since Boris Becker’s first serve. The second favourite will be looking to add another Cup to his country’s coffers after bagging the World Cup earlier this year.
Q IS FOR QUADRELLA
When just backing the winner seems too easy this is the bet for you. Nerves of steel, an A-level in maths and an extremely large wallet are all required.
R IS FOR RED CADEAUX
Has had more tours than John Farnham. The veteran raced in his first cup in 2011 as a chestnut and goes around today as a grey.
S IS FOR SICKIE
Sure bet of the week. The one thing guaranteed to be crooker than you on Wednesday morning will be your bank account.
T IS FOR THIRTEEN
Unlucky for some but hopefully not for King Bart as he chases a 13th Cup with Precedence. The only thing bigger than the great man’s eyebrows is his trophy cabinet.
UIS FOR UNLUCKY
Eveyone’s got a hard luck story.First, second, fourth, fifth and sixth on your trifecta ticket ... sound familiar?
V IS FOR VALENTINA
As in Lucia. Named after a young Latin American Idol. Struck more trouble than Mark Holden in the Caulfield Cup and is on song for an encore performance.
W IS FOR WALLER
That’s Chris Waller ... Popular champion trainer who has won everything this year but unfortunately still hasn’t lost his accent.
XIS FOR X FACTOR
Otherwise known as the Red Foo system. Back the jockey with the most outrageous colour scheme.
Y IS FOR WHY
Why the hell are we still playing rugby league in NOVEMBER! Sorry folks, but I just had
to get that off my chest. Resume normal transmission.
ZIS FOR ZAC PURTON
Queensland-born, Hong Kong-based, Japanese-riding jockey. Has earned more frequent flyer points than Julie Bishop of late but has managed to keep his weight down by eating the airline food.
Originally published as Melbourne Cup 2014: Boo Bailey’s A-Z of the horse race that stops the nation
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