2019 Melbourne Cup field, form guide, tips, office sweep and start time
Still stuck for a Cup choice? As start time nears in the big race, our experts give their tips.
Who will win the 2019 Melbourne Cup? Francesca Cumani, the Channel 10 presenter, racehorse owner, breeder and former trainer, breaks down the race that stops a nation. You can read Francesca’s detailed analysis for each runner in the form guide below.
QUICK LINKS: MELBOURNE CUP FIELD | EXPERT TIPS | FORM GUIDE
As is the case with the evolving nature of the race that stops the nation, there is a strong international contingent hoping to get their hands on the prestigious prize. The locals will be pinning their hopes on the likes of Finche and Vow and Declare, who both bring strong form into the race.
I can’t help but be continually impressed by Mer De Glace’s Caulfield Cup victory and whilst there are arguments that some of the beaten horses could reverse the form with a bit more luck in running, I believe we may be over complicating the puzzle. The Japanese galloper powered clear and was strong at the line in victory and the extra distance shouldn’t prove a barrier to sending the Cup back to Japan.
It will be an amazing achievement for Mer De Glace’s jockey Damian Lane, who is looking to become the first jockey to win the Australian Grand Slam in the same season. He has developed into one of the world’s best and it would be no surprise to see that combination scoop the glory. Fans of this horse and his connections will be on weather watch because traditionally these Japanese gallopers don’t go well in the wet.
Of the others, Magic Wand is an incredibly reliable mare who has danced most dances and drops to handicap company for the first time in 20 starts. Her run in the Cox Plate was encouraging and she is nicely weighted for her trainer Aidan O’Brien. Having come up a fraction short against one of North America’s best turf horses Bricks And Mortar in the Arlington Million, she has developed a toughness and reliability that are important attributes when trying to win this highly competitive race — but she has barrier 24 to overcome.
At much bigger prices, Twilight Payment has proven stamina and is one of four in the race for a young trainer who knows what it takes to win the Cup, as he showed with Rekindling in 2017 where he defeated his father Aidan O’Brien.
💵💰💸
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) August 24, 2019
What a win!
Mustajeer takes the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap!
💵💰💸 pic.twitter.com/6j4zIDOKT8
However, I keep coming back to Mustajeer at tasty odds. He has a good weight, has a good barrier and he has Damian Oliver in the saddle. He showed the ability to cope with a large field in the Ebor at York this year. Having secured victory there he will have developed a know-how for the hustle and bustle of a Cup and his run last time out at Caulfield was full of promise.
Whatever you are backing, good luck. It’s a special race and for one of the 24 lining up an opportunity to etch their names into the history books.
FRANCESCA CUMANI’S TIPS
8 MUSTAJEER
2 Mer de Glace
15 Magic Wand
Roughie: 13 Raymond Tusk
MORE: Download your Melbourne Cup office sweep (pictured below)
-
MELBOURNE CUP TIPS
FRANCESCA CUMANI (Channel 10)
8 MUSTAJEER
2 Mer De Glace
15 Magic Wand
Roughie: 13 Raymond Tusk
BRENDAN CORMICK (Turf editor)
11 FINCHE
19 Constantinople
1 Cross Counter
Roughie: 3 Master Of Reality
WALLY MASON (Sports editor)
11 FINCHE
20 Il Paradiso
23 Vow And Declare
Roughie: 5 Southern France
COURTNEY WALSH (The Australian)
5 SOUTHERN FRANCE
8 Mustajeer
1 Cross Counter
Roughie: 6 Hunting Horn
WILL SWANTON (The Australian)
11 FINCHE
12 Prince Of Arran
2 Mer De Glace
Roughie: 8 Mustajeer
PETER MOODY (Channel 10)
11 FINCHE
23 Vow And Declare
1 Cross Counter
Roughie: 15 Magic Wand
PATRICK SMITH (The Australian)
11 FINCHE
1 Cross Counter
19 Constantinople
Roughie: 7 Latrobe
TONY ARROLD (Thoroughbreds editor)
23 VOW AND DECLARE
11 Finche
2 Mer De Glace
Roughie: 20 Il Paradiso
GLENN MUNSIE (TAB)
11 FINCHE
12 Prince Of Arran
23 Vow And Declare
Roughie: 18 Surprise Baby
■ Who’s your Melbourne Cup tip? Share your selections in the comments section at the bottom of this page.
-
2019 MELBOURNE CUP FIELD
Race 7, 3pm — Tuesday, November 5
Distance: 3200m
Prizemoney: $7,750,000 — 1st $4,400,000 and trophies $250,000; 2nd $1,100,000; 3rd $550,000; 4th $350,000; 5th $230,000; 6th-12th $160,000.
1 CROSS COUNTER (GB) (Barrier 5) Jockey: W Buick; Trainer: C Appleby 57.5kg
2 MER DE GLACE (JPN) (2) D Lane, H Shimizu 56kg
3 MASTER OF REALITY (1) L Dettori, J O’Brien 55.5kg
4 MIRAGE DANCER (13) B Melham, Busuttin/Young 55.5kg
5 SOUTHERN FRANCE (14) M Zahra, Maher/Eustace 55.5kg
6 HUNTING HORN (11) J Heffernan, A O’Brien 55kg
7 LATROBE (22) J McDonald, J O’Brien 55
8 MUSTAJEER (6) D Oliver, K Lees 55kg
9 ROSTROPOVICH (12) D Dunn, Hayes/Dabernig 55kg
10 TWILIGHT PAYMENT (19) J Bowman, J O’Brien 55kg
11 FINCHE (4) K McEvoy, C Waller 54kg
12 PRINCE OF ARRAN (8) M Walker, C Fellowes 54kg
13 RAYMOND TUSK (3) J Spencer, R Hannon 54kg
14 DOWNDRAFT (15) J Allen, J O’Brien 53.5kg
15 MAGIC WAND (24) R Moore, A O’Brien 53.5kg
16 NEUFBOSC (23) L Nolen, Hayes/Dabernig 53.5kg
17 SOUND (10) J Winks, M Moroney 53.5kg
18 SURPRISE BABY (20) J Childs, P Preusker 53.5kg
19 CONSTANTINOPLE (7) J Moreira, Hayes/Dabernig 52.5kg
20 IL PARADISO (17) W Lordan, A O’Brien 52.5kg
21 STEEL PRINCE (16) B Prebble, A Freedman 52.5kg
22 THE CHOSEN ONE (18) T Clark, Baker/Forsman 52kg
23 VOW AND DECLARE (21) C Williams, D O’Brien 52kg
24 YOUNGSTAR (9) T Berry, C Waller 52kg
-
MELBOURNE CUP FORM GUIDE
1. CROSS COUNTER
5yo gelding Teofilo - Waitress
12 starts: 6 wins, 2 seconds, 1 third
Trainer: Charlie Appleby
Jockey: William Buick
Weight: 57.5kg
Barrier: 5
Form: Stuck to his task when nk, 1-3/4 len 3rd of 8 (3) $4.00 61.0 Stradivarius, Dee Ex Bee 3219m G B - Goodwood G1 Goodwood Cup Good July 30. Always handy before finishing 4 len 4th of 10 (7) 6/4F 61.0 Search For A Song 2816m Ire - Curragh G1 Irish St. Leger Firm Sept 15. Last year’s winner returns off the back of strong staying form in the UAE (winning the Dubai Gold Cup in March) and the UK. Rises 6.5kgs on his winning weight last year but warrants strong consideration again.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: Defending champion representing Charlie Appleby and Godolphin. Will have to carry 6.5kg more to victory if he is to become only the fifth horse to win consecutive Melbourne Cups. He’s run well in defeat behind the world’s best stayer Stradivarius on a couple of occasions this season in the UK.
ODDS: $14
(TAB fixed odds market, odds correct at 5.30m November 5. Check official odds here)
The 2018 Lexus Melbourne Cup didn't disappoint.
— 7HorseRacing 🎠(@7horseracing) November 17, 2018
Re-live Cross Counter making history for @Godolphin here. pic.twitter.com/C8wX2znHRV
-
2. MER DE GLACE
5yo horse Rulership - Glacier Blue
18 starts: 8 wins, 2 seconds, 5 thirds
Trainer: Hisashi Shimizu
Jockey: Damian Lane
Weight: 56kg
Barrier: 2
Form: Made it five on end with nk win of 13 (8) $2.60F 57.5 Cadenas, Noble Mars 2000m Japan G3 Kokura Kinen Firm Aug 4. Stormed home from well back to score len win of 18 (17) $8.00 55.5 Vow And Declare, Mirage Dancer 2400m C’field G1 Caulfield Cup Good(3) Oct 19. High-class Japanese galloper who came from second-last early to swamp them in the Caulfield Cup at his first run beyond 2200 metres. Has now won all five starts this year and could cap an amazing Melbourne spring for the Japanese raiders if he can run the extra distance. Major player.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: Japanese raider who was brilliant in winning the Caulfield Cup. Top weight in this year’s Melbourne Cup and stretching out over 2 miles for the first time but has plenty of talent, relaxes well and looks as though the trip will be within his compass. Jockey Damien Lane is looking to make a bit of history by becoming the first hoop to win Australia’s Grand Slam in the same year having already won the Golden Slipper, the Caulfield Cup and the Cox Plate in 2019.
ODDS: $8.50
The international raiders have started their assault on the spring carnival.
— 7HorseRacing 🎠(@7horseracing) October 19, 2019
Japanese Mer De Glace produced a superb staying performance to win the Caulfield Cup. pic.twitter.com/9EaX1n7PbH
-
3. MASTER OF REALITY
5g By Frankel - L’ancresse
12 starts: 3 wins, 1 second, 2 thirds
Trainer: Joseph O’Brien
Jockey: Frankie Dettori
Weight: 55.5kg
Barrier: 1
Form: Held on after leading to finish 2 len, 2 len 3rd of 6 (3) $4.00 62.0 Southern France, Downdraft 2816m Ire - Curragh G3 St Leger Trial Soft Aug 16. Didn’t finish it off when 4 len 5th of 10 (3) $15.00 61.0 Search For A Song 2816m Ire - Curragh G1 Irish St. Leger Firm Sept 15. Did his early racing in France before being purchased by Lloyd Williams and transferred to the care of Joseph O’Brien with this race in mind. Last year’s attempt was aborted but he looks to be recapturing his best form with the stable pushing forward after his midfield finish in the Irish St Leger. Must be kept safe.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: Looking to give his 26-year-old trainer Joseph O’Brien a second Cup following the win of Rekindling two years ago. Finished 3rd at huge odds in the G1 Ascot Gold Cup in June, was freshened up after that and hasn’t been quite as good on two starts since but could bounce back. Frankie Detttori looks for his elusive first Melbourne Cup.
ODDS: $26
Master of Reality is hoping to emulate Rekindling in the #MelbourneCup @FlemingtonVRC this year... Can he provide champion jockey @FrankieDettori with his first Cup win? pic.twitter.com/sOmRoqOVat
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) November 2, 2019
-
4. MIRAGE DANCER
6yo horse Frankel - Heat Haze
17 starts: 4 wins, 5 seconds, 4 thirds
Trainer: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young
Jockey: Ben Melham
Weight: 55.5kg
Barrier: 13
Form: No match for the winner when 2-1/4 len 2nd of 5 (4) 4/6F 57.5 Desert Encounter 2412m G B - Goodwood G3 Glorious Stakes Firm Aug 2. Slow away then checked near the 200m when len, hd 3rd of 18 (9) $16.00 56.0 Mer De Glace, Vow And Declare 2400m C’field G1 Caulfield Cup Good(3) Oct 19. Well-performed UK stayer who was terrific in the Caulfield Cup, making good late ground to finish third behind Mer De Glace and Vow And Declare. Has very consistent form up to 2400 metres and has clearly adapted quickly to the local conditions. Looks for a major showing.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young’s galloper finished 3rd in the Caulfield Cup behind Mer De Glace when having his first start for his new barn since leaving Sir Michael Stoute’s stables in England. This son of Frankel is stretching out over 2 miles for the first time but hit the line well at Caulfield and should step forward for that outing.
ODDS: $34
Mirage Dancer was on another level yesterday! 🔥 #GloriousGoodwood #QGF pic.twitter.com/YeQ6yhut22
— Goodwood Racecourse (@Goodwood_Races) August 4, 2018
-
5. SOUTHERN FRANCE
5yo horse Galileo - Alta Anna
14 starts: 3 wins, 3 seconds, 3 thirds
Trainer: Ciaron Maher and David Eustace
Jockey: Mark Zahra
Weight: 55.5kg
Barrier: 14
Form: Pulled clear late for 2 len win of 6 (2) $3.50F 61.0 Downdraft, Master Of Reality 2816m Ire - Curragh G3 St Leger Trial Soft Aug 16. Stuck to his guns when 2-1/4 len, 1-1/2 len 3rd of 10 (5) $10.00 61.0 Search For A Song, Kew Gardens 2816m Ire - Curragh G1 Irish St. Leger Firm Sept 15. A son of Galileo with solid staying form in the UK including running staying yardstick Stradivarius to three-quarters of a length in the Yorkshire Cup (2800M) in May. Tuned up for his Australian trip with a handy third in the G1 Irish St Leger (2816M) and looks a genuine threat. Keep in mind.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: Formerly trained by Aidan O’Brien where he finished 3rd in the 2018 St Leger. Group 3 winner two starts ago in Ireland and G1 placed last time out, he brings a solid staying profile to the contest. Now in the care of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace.
ODDS: $23
.@cmaherracing and @eustacedj's Irish import Southern France drew gate 14 at the barrier draw earlier this evening @FlemingtonVRC. Do you think he's a 'Nice' horse - and does he have what it takes to win the #MelbourneCup ? pic.twitter.com/1fKjvEu5gm
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) November 2, 2019
-
6. HUNTING HORN
5yo horse Camelot - Mora Bai
22 starts: 3 wins, 2 seconds, 5 thirds
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Jockey: Seamie Heffernan
Weight: 55kg
Barrier: 11
Form: Set the pace before finishing 7-1/2 len last of 8 (1) $67.00 60.5 Magical 2012m Ire - Leopardstown G1 Irish Champion Good Sept 14. Raced handy when scoring 1-1/4 len win of 8 (3) $4.20 56.0 Mr Quickie, Downdraft 2500m M Valley G2 M. Valley Cup Good(4) Oct 26. Widely-travelled member of the Aidan O’Brien yard who created a good impression at his Australian debut with an emphatic win over Mr Quickie in the Moonee Valley Cup (2500M). That was his first win in 15 starts and the first time he had tackled a race over that trip. Place hopes are best.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: Victorious in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup last time out under Ryan Moore, highlighting his wellbeing. Beaten convincingly in Europe this year on a couple of occasions behind the superstar Enable and needs to take another step forward to get competitive.
ODDS: $41
Hunting Horn!
— 7HorseRacing 🎠(@7horseracing) October 26, 2019
English jockey, Ryan Moore timed that to perfection to win the Moonee Valley Gold Cup. pic.twitter.com/0O0nbuSQyC
-
7. LATROBE
5yo horse Camelot - Question Time
15 starts: 3 wins, 6 seconds, 1 third
Trainer: Joseph O’Brien
Jockey: James McDonald
Weight: 55kg
Barrier: 22
Form: Always handy before scoring 3/4 len win of 6 (3) $1.90F 61.0 Guaranteed, Broad Street 2414m Ire - Leopardstown G3 Ballyroan Stks Firm Aug 8. Couldn’t pick up late when 5-1/2 len 6th of 10 (2) $8.00 61.0 Search For A Song 2816m Ire - Curragh G1 Irish St. Leger Firm Sept 15. Australians got their first look at this son of Camelot (GB) at last year’s carnival when he lost the G1 Mackinnon Stakes in a head-bobbing finish with Trap For Fools. Has raced consistently since heading back to Ireland including a runner-up finish in the G2 Curragh Cup (2800M) and a win in the G3 Ballyroan (2414M). Races in the highly-successful Lloyd Williams colours and won’t appear if he’s not going to be competitive.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: Another Joseph O’Brien galloper. 2018 Irish Derby victor who finished runner up in the G1 Mackinnon in the same year. Hasn’t been quite as good in 2019 but got a confidence boosting victory two starts back in Group 3 company.
ODDS: $21
ðŸ‡ðŸ‘ Latrobe back to winning ways at Leopardstown...pic.twitter.com/438TynqP3J
— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) August 8, 2019
-
8. MUSTAJEER
7yo gelding Medicean - Qelaan
20 starts: 4 wins, 3 seconds, 3 thirds
Trainer: Kris Lees
Jockey: Damien Oliver
Weight: 55kg
Barrier: 6
Form: Came from midfield to score 3/4 len win of 22 (2) $17.00 59.5 Red Galileo, Desert Skyline 2787m G B - York Ebor Hcp (C2) Firm Aug 24. Wasn’t far away when 1-3/4 len 6th of 18 (12) $12.00 55.5 Mer De Glace 2400m C’field G1 Caulfield Cup Good(3) Oct 19. Brings good UK staying form to Australia including a strong win in the Ebor in August and showed he had adapted to our conditions with a nice sixth in the Caulfield Cup. Three-time Cup-winning jockey Damien Oliver sticks with him after that run and they look a competitive combination. Give serious thought.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: Impressive victory in the Ebor at York before finishing an eye-catching 6th behind Mer De Glace in the Caulfield Cup. Now in the care of Kris Lees since leaving Ger Lyons’ base in Ireland. Write off this horse at your peril. Damian Oliver looks for his fourth Melbourne Cup.
ODDS: $21
An Irish winner of the £1 million @SkyBet Ebor, as MUSTAJEER claims victory for Ger Lyons and Colin Keane ðŸ€ðŸ’° pic.twitter.com/vJaAwzcezL
— York Racecourse (@yorkracecourse) August 24, 2019
-
9. ROSTROPOVICH
5yo gelding Frankel - Tyranny
18 starts: 4 wins, 2 seconds, 2 thirds
Trainer: David and Ben Hayes, Tom Dabernig
Jockey: Dwayne Dunn
Weight: 55kg
Barrier: 12
Form: Overraced throughout when 4-1/2 len 9th of 11 (9) $12.00 55.0 Kings Will Dream 2000m F’ton G1 Turnbull Stakes Good(3) Oct 5. Wide early then checked near the 150m when 7-1/4 len 16th of 18 (14) $31.00 55.5 Mer De Glace 2400m C’field G1 Caulfield Cup Good(3) Oct 19. Ran out of his skin to finish fifth in last year’s Cup then beat half the field home in the HK Vase. Hasn’t set the world on fire in his three lead-up runs this preparation but he has been dogged by poor barrier draws. Could be a sharp improver come Cup day.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: One of the outsiders in the line up who was soundly beaten in the Caulfield Cup last time out. There have been big price winners in recent renewals of the Cup, notably Prince of Penzance but it would be a big surprise if Rostropovich was victorious.
ODDS: $101
A popular winner on @IrishChampsWknd as the well-supported Rostropovich gets back to winning ways under @donnacha_obrien for @Ballydoyle at @LeopardstownRC: pic.twitter.com/JTc5OtPryD
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 15, 2018
-
10. TWILIGHT PAYMENT
7yo gelding Teofilo - Dream On Buddy
24 starts: 5 wins, 9 seconds, 5 thirds
Trainer: Joseph O’Brien
Jockey: Hugh Bowman
Weight: 55kg
Barrier: 19
Form: Always handy before scoring nk win of 10 (7) $8.00 62.0 Latrobe, Raa Atoll 2816m Ire - Curragh G2 Curragh Cup Good June 28. Failed to run on when 6-1/4 len 7th of 10 (4) $15.00 61.0 Search For A Song 2816m Ire - Curragh G1 Irish St. Leger Firm Sept 15. Ultra-consistent Irish stayer whose form card contains regular top three finishes carrying big weights in Group and Listed races from 2800-3200 metres. Won’t know himself with 55kgs, will be strong at the finish and he races in Lloyd Williams’s colours so he ticks a few boxes.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: Has raced 11 times since he was gelded at the start of his four-year-old season and has never finished out the first four. He has won two of his past three starts and is one of the guaranteed stayers in the line up. Likes to race on speed and at could outrun his big odds.
ODDS: $41
TWILIGHT PAYMENT makes all under @kmanning910, fending off Latrobe in the closing stages, to land the (Group 2) Curragh Cup for Jim Bolger!
— Timeform Live (@TimeformLive) June 28, 2019
ðŸ“½ï¸ @GoRacingpic.twitter.com/lkqeA4GeFZ
-
11. FINCHE
6yo gelding Frankel - Binche
14 starts: 4 wins, 1 second, 3 thirds
Trainer: Chris Waller
Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy
Weight: 54kg
Barrier: 4
Form: Just missed when sht hd 2nd of 11 (2) $5.50 55.0 Kings Will Dream 2000m F’ton G1 Turnbull Stakes Good(3) Oct 5. Raced three wide throughout when 1-1/2 len 5th of 18 (15) $7.50 54.5 Mer De Glace 2400m C’field G1 Caulfield Cup Good(3) Oct 19. A multiple Group winner in France, this son of Frankel is yet to put in a bad run in six Australian starts including a terrific fourth in this race last year. Looks to have had the perfect build-up this year and was game in the Caulfield Cup after facing the breeze all the way from a wide gate. Comes right into calculations.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: Chris Waller has won most races. He is yet to win the Melbourne Cup but in Finche he has a great chance. Was an eye-catching 5th in the Caulfield Cup last time out and having finished 4th in the Melbourne Cup last year he has been here and got the T-shirt. Big Australian-trained hope.
ODDS: $8.00
A story of recovery! Remarkable victory.
— 7HorseRacing 🎠(@7horseracing) October 5, 2019
Kings Will Dream defeats Finche to win the Turnbull Stakes. pic.twitter.com/fPQqcsRYwb
-
12. PRINCE OF ARRAN
7yo gelding Shirocco - Storming Sioux
37 starts: 6 wins, 7 seconds, 5 thirds
Trainer: Charlie Fellowes
Jockey: Michael Walker
Weight: 54kg
Barrier: 8
Form: Kept finding when 1/2 len 2nd of 13 (10) $8.50 58.0 The Chosen One 2400m C’field G2 Herbert Power Good(3) Oct 12. Toughed it out for lg hd win of 11 (11) $4.20F 58.0 True Self, Haky 2400m Geelong G3 Geelong Cup Good(3) Oct 23. Adapted quickly last spring on his first visit to Melbourne, running home nicely to place third to Yucatan in the Herbert Power before winning the Hotham on Derby Day then finishing a game third in the Melbourne Cup. His overseas form since has been moderate but he seems to like the Melbourne air, running 2nd in the Herbert Power this time around before winning the Geelong Cup. Has to go in.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: Last year’s 3rd placegetter comes into the race this time round on the back of victory in the Geelong Cup. Has a bigger gap between races into the Cup this time round then 12 months ago — will that make the difference? Saves his best for Australia.
ODDS: $19
Prince Of Arran fends off a fast finishing True Self to win the Geelong Cup for @FellowesRacing. Now to the Melbourne Cup? 🤞 pic.twitter.com/a7xRD1KS0w
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 23, 2019
-
13. RAYMOND TUSK
5yo horse High Chaparral - Dancing Shoes
12 starts: 3 wins, 3 seconds, 1 third
Trainer: Richard Hannon
Jockey: Jamie Spencer
Weight: 54kg
Barrier: 3
Form: Safely held when 8-1/4 len 7th of 11 (10) $41.00 57.5 Stradivarius 4014m G B - Ascot G1 Gold Cup Soft June 20. Had no luck when 2 len 4th of 22 (19) $17.00 61.0 Mustajeer 2787m G B - York Ebor Hcp (C2) Firm Aug 24. UK stayer with consistent form at the top level. Had a totally luckless run in the Ebor at his latest run when he should arguably have won. Won’t know himself with 54kgs and he looms as a strong each-way threat. Warrants serious consideration.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: 4th in the Ebor behind Mustajeer last time out, Raymond Tusk has been a standing dish in some valuable staying races. Another one assured to stay the trip he will be hoping to give his syndicate of owners, Middleham Park Racing, a day they will never forget.
ODDS: $21
Richard Hannon wins the British Stallion Studs EBF Glasgow Stakes (Listed Race) again as Raymond Tusk justifies favouritism under Philip Makin. 👠pic.twitter.com/BZ4WPc9ufs
— Hamilton Park Races (@HamiltonParkRC) July 20, 2018
-
14. DOWNDRAFT
5yo horse Camelot - Cinnamon Rose
18 starts: 7 wins, 2 seconds, 1 third
Trainer: Joseph O’Brien
Jockey: John Allen
Weight: 53.5kg
Barrier: 15
Form: Irish stayer who won twice at Listed level before 2 len 2nd of 6 (4) $6.50 61.0 Southern France 2816m Ire - Curragh G3 St Leger Trial Soft Aug 16. On pace and fought on bravely 1-1/4 len, nk 3rd of 8 (7) $3.90 56.5 Hunting Horn, Mr Quickie 2500m M Valley G2 M. Valley Cup Good(4) Oct 26. Sat behind the speed on fence then hit front top of stretch and kept on determinedly to win the G3 Hotham (2500m) on Saturday. Much harder now and this will be his third run in ten days but gets a nice weight drop and could be a value hope for exotics.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: A fourth runner in the race for trainer Joseph O’Brien, Downdraft finished 3rd in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup behind Hunting Horn at the Valley before impressively winning the Hotham on Saturday. If he handles the three-day back-up he is in with a chance.
ODDS: $19
Downdraft draws barrier 15 after booking his ticket into the #MelbourneCup after his win in the Lexus Hotham Stakes. pic.twitter.com/beEBQReRFP
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 2, 2019
-
15. MAGIC WAND
5yo mare Galileo - Prudenzia
19 starts: 2 wins, 7 seconds, 2 thirds
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Jockey: Ryan Moore
Weight: 53.5kg
Barrier: 24
Form: Toughed it out for 2-1/4 len 2nd of 8 (5) $21.00 59.0 Magical 2012m Ire - Leopardstown G1 Irish Champion Good Sept 14. Stuck to her guns when 3-3/4 len 4th of 14 (2) $9.00 57.0 Lys Gracieux 2040m M Valley G1 W S Cox Plate Good(4) Oct 26. From the powerful O’Brien stable and gave a great sight in the Cox Plate after taking up the early running. However the fact remains that he has only won two races and he has raced 14 times since the last win. Very honest and will give a sight again but place hopes may be best.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: A talented globetrotter who ran respectably last time out when 4th in the Cox Plate behind Lys Gracieux. Her 2nd to the talented Bricks And Mortar in the Arlington Million this season is strong form. It’s the first time in her career that she runs in a handicap, having run in 14 Group 1 weight-for-age races, but the two miles is an unknown and Ryan Moore has barrier 24 to contend with.
ODDS: $19
ðŸ†Ladbrokes Cox Plate 2019
— 🅼🅶 (@WorldRacing_) October 26, 2019
Lys Gracieux (JPN)
Castelvecchio (AUS)
Te Akau Shark (NZ)
Magic Wand (IRE) pic.twitter.com/tfhx4av7Sg
-
16. NEUFBOSC
5yo gelding Mastercraftsman - Nonsuch Way
13 starts: 3 wins, 2 seconds, 1 third
Trainer: David & Ben Hayes, Tom Dabernig
Jockey: Luke Nolen
Weight: 53.5kg
Barrier: 23
Form: Checked near the 600m before finishing 30 len 13th of 14 (1) $11.00 55.5 Come Play With Me 2400m R’wick G1 Metropolitan Soft(6) Oct 5. Began awkwardly when 4-3/4 len 9th of 11 (6) $31.00 58.0 Prince Of Arran 2400m Geelong G3 Geelong Cup Good(3) Oct 23. Lindsay Park French import who hasn’t set the world on fire since arriving in Australia. Will need to improve.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: Another at huge odds who would cause a Cup upset if he was victorious. He was 5 lengths behind Prince Of Arran in the Geelong Cup last time out.
ODDS: $126
Juddmonte Gran Prix de Paris (Gr1)
— 🅼🅶 (@WorldRacing_) July 14, 2018
ParisLongchamp 🇫🇷
1st Kew Gardens (FR) by Galileo
2nd Neufbosc (FR) by Mastercraftsman
3rd Dee Ex Bee (FR) pic.twitter.com/BasdhuPhrM
-
17. SOUND
7yo horse Lando - Sky Dancing
24 starts: 7 wins, 2 seconds, 1 third
Trainer: Michael Moroney
Jockey: James Winks
Weight: 53.5kg
Barrier: 10
Form: Always in a similar spot when 3-3/4 len 7th of 11 (7) $151.00 54.5 Kings Will Dream 2000m F’ton G1 Turnbull Stakes Good(3) Oct 5. Checked near the 200m before finishing 4-1/4 len 10th of 18 (6) $101.00 54.0 Mer De Glace 2400m C’field G1 Caulfield Cup Good(3) Oct 19. Finished down the track in this race last year but was never on the track. Found plenty of trouble in the straight in the Caulfield Cup but not sure he was going to be in the finish. Would need things to fall his way.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: Lining up for trainer Michael Moroney on the back of a reasonable effort in the Caulfield Cup when 4 lengths behind Mer De Glace. Has run in a number of decent staying races this season without ever troubling the judge.
ODDS: $101
NOTE: Video below shows his second placing to Best Solution in the 2018 Grosser Preis von Berlin when he was named Sound Check.
-
18. SURPRISE BABY
5yo gelding Shocking - Bula Baby
10 starts: 5 wins, 1 second, 1 third
Trainer: Paul Preusker
Jockey: Jordan Childs
Weight: 53.5kg
Barrier: 20
Form: Made good late ground when 2-3/4 len 4th of 15 (10) $9.50 59.0 Homesman 1600m M Valley G2 Feehan Stks Good(4) Sept 7. Always in control when scoring 1-1/2 len win of 13 (6) $2.50F 57.0 Supernova, Wolfe 2520m F’ton G3 Bart Cummings Good(3) Oct 5. Won his way into the race with his success in the G3 Bart Cummings but it was his dominant victory in the G2 Adelaide Cup over this trip in May at just his sixth race start that had connections train their eyes on the Cup. Takes on the cream of the crop here but he has to be considered a key runner.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: One of the main domestic hopes in this year’s race. This horse cost just $5500 and is trained in heavy sand at Horsham by an archetypal Australian bush trainer, Paul Preusker, who is having his first Melbourne Cup runner. A dominant victory in the Bart Cummings stakes confirmed Surprise Baby as a real staying talent.
ODDS: $15
Emerging stayer Surprise Baby is the best backed runner in early pre-post betting for the Melbourne Cup.
— Nick Quinn (@Quinny_1) July 22, 2019
Bets include
$500 at $51
$300 at $51
$200 e/w at $51
$200 e/w at $51
$250 e/w at $51
Surprise Baby won the 2019 Adelaide Cup. pic.twitter.com/xQPyVUDGRc
-
19. CONSTANTINOPLE
4yo horse Galileo - One Moment In Time
9 starts: 2 wins, 4 seconds, 1 third
Trainer: David & Ben Hayes, Tom Dabernig
Jockey: Joao Moreira
Weight: 52.5kg
Barrier: 7
Form: Stuck to his task when 1-3/4 len 2nd of 5 (1) $3.50 57.0 Logician 2385m G B - York G2 Voltigeur Stks Good Aug 21. Not much went right when 1-1/2 len 4th of 18 (5) $6.50F 53.0 Mer De Glace 2400m C’field G1 Caulfield Cup Good(3) Oct 19. Well-performed import who was one of the unluckiest runners behind Mer De Glace in the Caulfield Cup. Really found the line after getting shuffled back through the field before the corner. Got chopped off at the 300 and did a remarkable job to get so close at the finish. Sure to have plenty of admirers.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: One of the market leaders, having run 4th in the Caulfield Cup in his first run in Australia. He was 2nd behind this year’s English St Leger winner Logician at York before that. Undoubtedly talented but there is a question mark about his commitment in the closing stages and has looked a tricky ride on occasions.
ODDS: $9.50
Kerrygold Gallinule Stakes (G3)
— 🅼🅶 (@WorldRacing_) May 24, 2019
2010m , 65.000 EUR , for 3yo
🇨🇮 Curragh
Constantinople (IRE)
(3c Galileo - One Moment In Time by Danehill)
J: Ryan MooreÂ
T:A. P. O'Brien
O: Mr D Smith, Mrs J Magnier, Mr M Tab
2nd Buckhurst (Australia) pic.twitter.com/qdLYtF3XHu
-
20. IL PARADISO
4yo horse Galileo - Famous
8 starts: 2 wins, 2 seconds, 2 thirds
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Jockey: Wayne Lordan
Weight: 52.5kg
Barrier: 17
Form: Wasn’t far away when 1-1/4 len, nose 3rd of 4 (4) $21.00 53.0 Stradivarius, Dee Ex Bee 3270m G B - York G2 Lonsdale Cup Firm Aug 23. Didn’t finish it off when 5-1/4 len 5th of 8 (2) $9.00 57.5 Logician 2922m G B - Doncaster G1 St Leger Stakes Firm Sept 14. Lightly-raced stayer from the Aidan O’Brien yard who was forced to do all the chasing behind the tearaway leader in the UK St Leger at his latest run. Gave superstar stayer Stradivarius a scare in the Lonsdale Cup prior to that and looms as a serious lightweight threat here. Right in it.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: One of 3 runners in the race for Aidan O’Brien. Finished 5th in the G1 St Leger at Doncaster last time out. Not far behind Stradivarius in the Lonsdale Cup at York the time before. Versatile runner tactically with only 52.5kg on his back.
ODDS: $13
Stradivarius doing Stradivarius things.
— Racing.com (@Racing) August 23, 2019
He adds another Lonsdale Cup to his resume. 🙠ðŸ†
🎥 @RacingTV pic.twitter.com/jJp4W6HRAl
-
21. STEEL PRINCE
6yo gelding Nathaniel - Steel Princess
21 starts: 8 wins, 5 seconds, 1 third
Trainer: Anthony Freedman
Jockey: Brett Prebble
Weight: 52.5kg
Barrier: 16
Form: Slowly away then held up near the 300m before finishing 4-1/4 len 6th of 11 (7) $7.50 57.0 Brimham Rocks 2000m C’field G3 Foundation Cup Good(4) Sept 21. Always in a similar spot when 4-1/2 len 7th of 11 (8) $6.00 57.5 Prince Of Arran 2400m Geelong G3 Geelong Cup Good(3) Oct 23. His win over Surprise Baby in the Ramsden (2800M) at this track in May guaranteed a start in the Cup and was his second successive victory over the highly-fancied local hope. His form this preparation has seen him slowly build up in trip and he ran a slick closing split in the G3 Naturalism at Caulfield before a forgivable effort in the Geelong Cup. Might be over the odds.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: Secured his spot in the race after winning the listed The Andrew Ramsden Stakes at Flemington in May. More recently finshed 7th behind Prince Of Arran in the Geelong Cup. Will be ridden by Brett Prebble, who is looking for his second cup following victory aboard Green Moon in 2013.
ODDS: $71
ICYMI: Steel Prince beats Surprise Baby in the Andrew Ramsden by a whisker to gain entry into the Melbourne Cup. #7Racing pic.twitter.com/v9lVVsEHus
— 7HorseRacing 🎠(@7horseracing) May 26, 2019
-
22. THE CHOSEN ONE
4yo horse Savabeel - The Glitzy One
16 starts: 5 wins, 2 seconds, 0 third
Trainer: Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman
Jockey: Tim Clark
Weight: 52kg
Barrier: 18
Form: Won the Herbert Power Oct 12 before he beat half the field home when 4 len 9th of 18 (18) $13.00 52.0 Mer De Glace 2400m C’field G1 Caulfield Cup Good(3) Oct 19. Backs up after 7-3/4 len 5th of 10 (3) $6.00 57.5 Downdraft 2500m F’ton G3 Lexus Hotham Soft(7) Nov 2.Talented NZ galloper who beat half the field home in the Hotham on Saturday. An unknown quantity in this distance range and looks a rough place hope at best.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: Victorious in the Herbert Power at Caulfield two runs back, beating Prince Of Arran. No match for the winner in the Caulfield Cup last time out but a reproduction of his Herbert Power run would give him a squeak with only 52kg to carry.
ODDS: $71
The Chosen One wins the Herbert Power from Prince Of Arran.
— 7HorseRacing 🎠(@7horseracing) October 12, 2019
Steel Prince was scratched pre-race. pic.twitter.com/6mSFwWxy91
-
23. VOW AND DECLARE
4yo gelding Declaration Of War - Geblitzt
12 starts: 3 wins, 3 seconds, 2 thirds
Trainer: Danny O’Brien
Jockey: Craig Williams
Weight: 52kg
Barrier: 21
Form: Caught the eye late when 1-3/4 len 4th of 11 (4) $17.00 54.5 Kings Will Dream 2000m F’ton G1 Turnbull Stakes Good(3) Oct 5. Hampered near the 200m before finishing len 2nd of 18 (7) $8.00 52.5 Mer De Glace 2400m C’field G1 Caulfield Cup Good(3) Oct 19. One of the major local hopes after running a bottler in the Caulfield Cup. Thrashed his rivals in the G3 Tatts Cup over 3000 metres at Eagle Farm in June and he’s crying out for the step-up in trip. Should be in the finish.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: Runner-up in the Caulfield Cup looking to give star hoop Craig Williams an elusive first Melbourne Cup. Williams declared to his wife after Caulfield he had the horse to do it. Having spent his whole career on these shores, this is a runner the locals can really identify with and regain the cup for Australia.
ODDS: $12
Look away now Junipal backers. Vow and Declare eats into the margin with a powerful finish. https://t.co/ZViBIEs4nC pic.twitter.com/jd76Kv5Xjk
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 8, 2018
-
24. YOUNGSTAR
5yo mare High Chaparral - Starspangled
21 starts: 4 wins, 1 second, 4 thirds
Trainer: Chris Waller
Jockey: Tommy Berry
Weight: 52kg
Barrier: 9
Form: Plugged away when 3-1/4 len 7th of 8 (7) $10.00 57.0 Verry Elleegant 2000m R’wick G2 Hill Stakes Soft(6) Oct 5. Held up on straightening then held up in the straight 2-1/4 len, 1/2 nk 3rd of 11 (1) $6.50 57.5 Hush Writer, Carif 2600m R’wick St Leger Stakes Good(3) Oct 19. 2018 QLD Oaks winner who only got clear late when placed in the St Leger at Randwick last outing. Ran a creditable 6th in this race last year. She likes a bit of cushion and by no means the roughest.
FRANCESCA CUMANI SAYS: Sixth in the race 12 months ago behind Cross Counter when sent off at shorter odds, she will need to take a step forward on recent form if she is to go 5 places better.
ODDS: $34
😲😲😲
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 26, 2018
An absolute thriller in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks as Youngstar comes from deep in the field with a devastating turn of foot to win it by a nose on the line for @cwallerracing. Incredible! pic.twitter.com/GeZltnzGEa
Attention on luck to boost Caulfield Guineas hopes
Emerging colt Public Attention might need a bit more luck in running if he is to complete the task of toppling Broadsiding in Saturday’s Caulfield Guineas.
Stewards query Pride Of Jenni Toorak entry
Racing Victoria stewards have inquired into leading trainer Ciaron Maher’s decision to enter star mare Pride Of Jenni for Saturday’s Group 1 Toorak Handicap at Caulfield.