Melbourne Cup 2020 barrier draw: Aidan O'Brien still has strong hand despite mixed fortunes for Tiger Moth and Anthony Van Dyck

A nightmare barrier draw for Tiger Moth hasn't dented champion Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien'S hopes for a first Melbourne Cup after stablemate Anthony Van Dyck drew better. And another raider is challenging for favouritism. FINAL FIELD & BARRIERS

Tiger Moth wins at Leopardstown in Ireland. Picture: PA Images via Getty Images

Aidan O’Brien’s hopes of adding the Melbourne Cup to his phenomenal haul of international Group 1 triumphs remain intact despite the Irishman’s high-class entrants Anthony Van Dyck and Tiger Moth meeting with mixed fortunes.

Tiger Moth, who had occupied the top rung of Cup markets, drew gate 23 while Caulfield Cup runner-up Anthony Van Dyck will start from barrier three.

The draw saw Irish Derby runner-up Tiger Moth drift from TAB outright favouritism at $7 to $8, where he now shares the top line with Anthony Van Dyck and Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet.

“The way it’s shaping Anthony Van Dyck might start favourite,” TAB spokesman Adam Hamilton said.

O’Brien’s travelling foreman TJ Comerford had hoped for an inside alley for Tiger Moth, a northern hemisphere three-year-old who will have just his fifth start on Tuesday.

“It’s not a great draw for Tiger Moth, but the only thing is that he’s got a light weight (52.kg),” Comerford said.

“He’s got good speed and there’s plenty of time to get across before the first turn, but he’s just got to be at his best to win.”

 

Comerford was more upbeat about English Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck.

“It’s a great draw for him,” Comerford said.

“He’s quick out of the gates as well. He (Hugh Bowman) can ride as he wants from there. It is a very good draw.”

O’Brien’s team has endured a wretched campaign in Australia.

Wichita was euthanised after a trackwork injury, Magic Wand was retired after a hoof problem and Santiago was sidelined.

O’Brien’s runners finished second in the Caulfield Cup (Anthony Van Dyck) and Cox Plate (Armory).

James McDonald was delighted with Finche’s draw of gate six.

“It’s obviously a long run down to the first corner and we can just put him where we really want him,” McDonald said.

“He hasn’t really drawn a good gate this preparation and he’s run really well so now he’s got a good gate, there’s no excuses.

“He’s in really good form and very fresh.

“He’s only had a couple of prep runs leading into this and Chris and his team are very happy with him.

“He looks really well and hopefully the big, strong chestnut can salute.”

Last year’s winner Vow And Declare is will jump from barrier four, while Saturday’s Lexus Hotham Stakes winner Ashrun will start from the outside gate of 24.

Prince Of Arran drew gate one for Jamie Kah and Charlie Fellowes.

Kah is bidding to become the second female jockey to win the Cup after Michelle Payne on Prince Of Penzance in 2015.

Coincidentally, Prince Of Penzance, a $100 chance, claimed an historic Cup from barrier one.

Eight internationals will contest the race, hoping to follow in the footsteps of Vintage Crop, Media Puzzle, Delta Blues, Americain, Dunaden, Protectionist, Rekindling and Cross Counter.

Vow And Declare will attempt to join a select band of multiple Cup winners – Archer, Peter Pan, Rain Lover, Think Big and Makybe Diva.

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Originally published as Melbourne Cup 2020 barrier draw: Aidan O'Brien still has strong hand despite mixed fortunes for Tiger Moth and Anthony Van Dyck

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