Melbourne Cup 2020 live coverage: Bold frontrunner Twilight Payment wins the Cup
Twilight Payment led almost from start to finish to snatch the 2020 Melbourne Cup from Tiger Moth and Prince of Arran.
- Tragedy strikes topweight
- Where your Cup horse finished
- Twilight Payment steals the Cup
- Gai Waterhouse blasts Andrews’ Cup limits
- Shock scratching
- Melbourne Cup tips
- Francesca Cumani analysis
- Melbourne Cup betting
It was perhaps the strangest of Melbourne Cups. No crowds. No Birdcage. No fashion disasters. Spectators locked outside, peering in at empty stands. And a bold frontrunning ride from a jockey having his first Cup start giving a thriller victory to an Irish raider. Twilight Payment gave powerful owner Lloyd Williams his seventh Melbourne Cup win. Again, the first three placings were stolen by international visitors: with Tiger Moth and the ever-gutsy Prince Of Arran filling the second and third placings. Meanwhile, winning trainer Joseph O’Brien watched on from Ireland, humbled by his horse’s stamina and refusal to quit, and thrilled at unassuming jockey and new Dad Jye McNeil’s textbook rating of a frontrunner. There was tragedy too, as the topweight Anthony Van Dyck broke down with a fractured fetlock, and had to be put down. Yes, it wasn’t the Cup many know. But the pandemic couldn’t stop the race that stops a nation. Here’s how the day unfolded:
Courtney Walsh 6pm: McEvoy suspended over Tiger Moth whip breach
Champion jockey Kerrin McEvoy has been issued with a hefty fine and suspension after his second-placed finish in the Melbourne Cup on race favourite Tiger Moth.
McEvoy, who was seeking to join turf immortals Bobby Lewis and Harry White as a four-time winner of the Melbourne Cup, threw everything at Tiger Moth in the Flemington straight when beaten a long neck by Twilight Payment.
But stewards took a dim view of the actions of the 40-year-old, who breached the rules regarding whip use.
He was fined $50,000 and suspended for 13 race meetings.
Debbie Schipp 5.20pm: Exhilarating end to Cup Day
A straight six to wrap Cup Day and Exhilarates provided an … exhilarating … (sorry, it’s late) finish to the program with a gutsy win over The Astrologist in the MSS Security Sprint.
With Kerrin McEvoy aboard, the mare burst from the pack and went stride for stride with The Astrologist, refusing to lay down, winning by the bob of the head, with Sirius Suspect third.
A nice comeback from Exhilarates who puts in a stylish performance. pic.twitter.com/SyLujLB21n
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 3, 2020
Debbie Schipp 4.45pm: Rich Hips sink … Lyre
Another boilover as Rich Hips (20-1) comes from nowhere to down favourite Lyre in the Group 3 Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes.
The 20-1 shot downed the luckless Lyre and Vixen, coming from the clouds with a withering finishing burst.
Patient preparation paid off for Rich Hips’ connections and made it worth the wait.
Rich Hips keeps on delivering.
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 3, 2020
She storms home to win a Group 3 on #MelbourneCup Day. @FlemingtonVRC @busuttin @FirstLight_FLR @mickdee020 pic.twitter.com/rco95NI6xy
Debbie Schipp 4.40pm: Winning trainer watched race from Ireland
Joseph O’Brien watched his horse, Twilight Payment, win the Cup from Ireland.
It’s his second Cup win, but thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, he couldn’t be at Flemington for the Cup.
Even though it was stupid o’clock in Ireland, the win was no less special – and he admitted despite it being 3 or 4am, he hadn’t been able to sleep anyway, because he was thinking about the horse.
O’Brien applauded Twilight Payment’s sheer grit and stamina, and Jye McNeils’s awesome ‘catch him if you can’ ride.
“I thought for a while we’d get run down, but this horse does not know when he’s beaten,” he said.
The Cup was again a clean sweep for international raiders — they filled the first three placings.
It was a seventh Melbourne Cup win for Twilight Payment’s owner Lloyd Williams.
"It was a special win."@JosephOBrien2 was disappointed that he couldn't be on course at Flemington this year but is more than thrilled to win his second #MelbourneCup.@FurphyBeer @FlemingtonVRC pic.twitter.com/qakVkKN4lR
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 3, 2020
Debbie Schipp 4.05pm: Sector hits a purple patch
Favourite Purple Sector has battled on gamely to grind out a win in the Furphy Plate (1800m) at Flemington.
With Craig Williams aboard, the gelding lifted late, rallying to hold out Gold Fields and Odeon, with So Si Bon finishing hard for fourth.
It was far from the prettiest of wins, but it gave Williams a winning double for the day.
It wasn't an easy watch but @CWilliamsJockey got the best out of Purple Sector and put a double on the board on #MelbourneCup Day. pic.twitter.com/BwJ87K1ckw
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 3, 2020
Debbie Schipp 3.55pm: Tragedy as Cup topweight humanely euthanised
Cup topweight Anthony Van Dyck has been humanely put down after fracturing a fetlock during the race.
The winner of last year’s Epsom Derby winner faltered as he rounded the home turn, and jockey Hugh Bowman pulled him up about 300m from home, dismounting.
Track staff erected screens around the Anthony Van Dyck and vets treated the horse before he was placed into the horse ambulance.
“It is with sadness that we confirm that Anthony Van Dyck had to be humanely euthanised after sustaining a fractured fetlock during the running of the Melbourne Cup at Flemington,”
Racing Victoria’s Executive General Manager – Integrity Services, Jamie Stier said in a statement.
“The horse received immediate veterinary care, however he was unable to be saved due to the nature of the injury sustained.
“Our sympathies are extended to the owners of Anthony Van Dyck, trainer Aidan O’Brien and all his staff who cared for the horse and are greatly saddened by their loss.”
He said a fatality report will now be prepared by the RV Integrity Services team: standard practice.
“The fatality report gives consideration to the circumstances of the incident and any potential leanings to assist in the prevention of similar injuries in the future,” Mr Stier said.
“The report will include the findings of a post-mortem which will now be conducted by the University of Melbourne Veterinary Clinic and we expect it will be several weeks before we have a completed report for consideration.”
Courtney Walsh 3.40pm: ‘Incredible ride’: Jye McNeil’s bold debut
Trainer Joseph O’Brien said praised Jye McNeil for an incredible ride on Cup winner Twilight Payment. But he said it was surreal watching the race from Ireland in the middle of the night.
“It is very special. Obviously, it’s quite different and not what we would have liked. We would all loved to have been there. But it is incredibly special,” he told Channel 10.
While his father is yet to win the Melbourne Cup, Joseph O’Brien has no doubt he would be delighted with the result despite Tiger Moth’s second-placed finish.
“Like I say, when the horses are on the track, they are all doing their best,” he said.
“Whatever happens on the track stays there. That is, dad is delighted for me when I have a winner and I am as delighted for him when he wins a big race.
“It is very special to be able to compete in these big races and this year in particular, there was a time when we weren’t sure if we would be able to have runners in Australia this year. So it is a very special thing we were able to compete in the race.”
Debbie Schipp 3.30pm: Where your horse finished: Full finishing order
For those with sweeps, or about to tear up tickets, here’s where the full field finished in the Cup:
Winner: Twilight Payment
2. Tiger Moth
3. Prince Of Arran
4. The Chosen One
5th – Persan
6th – Sir Dragonet
7th – Verry Elleegant
8th – Russian Camelot
9th – Finche
10th – Ashrun
11th – Oceanex
12th – Warning
13th – Surprise Baby
14th – Miami Bound
15th – Master Of Reality
16th – Steel Prince
17th – Etah James
18th – Vow And Declare
19th – Mustajeer
20th – Stratum Albion
21st – Dashing Willoughby
22nd – Avilius
FF – Anthony Van Dyck
Courtney Walsh 3.20pm: Remarkable frontrunning win from Twilight Payment
Irish horse Twilight Payment has produced a remarkable performance to lead almost the entirety of the to win the 2020 Melbourne Cup in stunning fashion.
Twilight Payment, who gave trainer Joseph O’Brien his second Melbourne Cup winner after the success of Rekindling in 2017, held off race favourite Tiger Moth, which is trained by Joseph’s father Aidan O’Brien.
Prince of Arran, ridden by Jamie Kah, continued his fabulous record in the Melbourne Cup when placing for the third year in succession.
It gives leviathan owner Lloyd Williams his seventh Melbourne Cup winner.
Jockey Jye McNeil produced a heady ride on his first ever Melbourne Cup mount when becoming the first horse to lead almost the entire race since champion galloper Might And Power in 1997.
The finishing order of the Lexus #MelbourneCup. How did you fare? pic.twitter.com/tblGHvMe9F
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 3, 2020
He made his intentions clear when leading past the post the first time.
Twilight Payment broke the field apart when increasing the speed with 1600m to run, with the Chris Waller-trained Finche on his heels.
Tiger Moth, the least-experienced runner in the field, raced in a forward position and looked to be travelling well leading into the straight.
But Twilight Payment kept finding for McNeil, 25. The eight-year-old, by Teofilo from Dream On Buddy, was holding Tiger Moth on the line. The Chosen One ran fourth.
McNeil said later that he had “goose bumps” on returning to the scales despite the absence of a crowd.
“It is very overwhelming,” he said.
“It was the plan to go forward. Obviously, with where he was in the market, I wasn’t feeling a lot of pressure. There is some pressure in getting it right and thankfully it all came together.
“I was trying to use my voice to encourage him as much as possible and it was a matter of holding him together. He was very tough.”
Twilight Payment paid $27.20 for the win and $8.10 the place on the Victorian TAB. Tiger Moth paid $2.90 the place, while the third-placed dividend for Prince Of Arran was $3.20.
The trifecta paid $1806.90.
Debbie Schipp 3.05pm: Twilight Payment steals the Cup
Irish raider Twlight Payment has led from start to finish to snatch the 2020 Melbourne Cup from Tiger Moth and Prince of Arran.
Twilight Payment gave trainer Joseph O’Brien his second Melbourne Cup winner after the success of Rekindling in 2017, and held off race favourite Tiger Moth, — trained by Joseph’s father Aidan O’Brien.
Prince of Arran, ridden by Jamie Kah — the eighth woman to ride in a Melbourne Cup — was third.
It was jockey Jye McNeil’s first ride in the Cup – and it was a bold won.
He settled in front and cranked on the pressure 100m from home, kicking clear in the straight and grinding home to the post.
Debbie Schipp 2.30pm: Hail the ultimate Cup Diva
Less than half an hour until the field jumps in the 2020 Cup, and the jockeys are being introduced to the (non-existent) crowd. But hey, you can catch them in their masks on the TV.
Meanwhile Flemington has welcomed back a true Cup heroine, with the parading of the mighty Makybe Diva, who won the race a record three times — in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
And she looks like she could go around again.
Remy Varga 2.20pm: Pandemic frees Birdcage from rash of celebrities
Even the Melbourne Cup’s famed Birdcage hasn’t escaped a pandemic inspired makeover, with a carpark replacing the marquees and celebrities.
Instead of models and social media influencers tottering in stilettos, Flemington Racecourse’s most exclusive area is hosting a van and a truck.
The rich, famous and beautiful are instead Instagramming the fashion, champers and gourmet nosh for which the Melbourne Cup is famed from the VIP section of their homes.
At Flemington Racecourse, The Australian spied comedian Dave Hughes wandering among the rose bushes, with the proud vegan appearing on Network 10’s race panel.
While the marquees are gone, a physical birdcage has been erected alongside dozens of Lexus cars proudly bearing the names of previous Melbourne Cup winners.
Golden wings stretch out from the top of the cage while on the ground are animals made of brightly coloured flowers, including a blue lion and a pink elephant.
GLYNIS TRAILL-NASH 2.15pm: Fashions on the Front Lawn a winner
The Melbourne Cup Carnival’s annual Fashions on the Field competition, which has run for 58 years, was not going to let a pandemic stop it at the gate.
Its digital iteration, renamed Fashions on Your Front Lawn for 2020, has both official and unofficial entries this year so that everybody can get involved.
On the official front, the first big-ticket winner is Ali Rauf, whose label Bird Skin has taken the Emerging Designer Award.
He has been a finalist in the competition for four years.
Rauf’s colour-blocked and pleated design was inspired by the work of early 20th-century Spanish designer Mariano Fortuny, using finely pleated fabric created by the country’s last-remaining pleating workshop.
Rauf says it has “always been a dream of mine to win this prestigious crown”.
Courtney Walsh 2.10pm: Less than an hour out, Tiger Moth still firm favourite
With less than an hour until the running of the 2020 Melbourne Cup, lightly-raced Irish stayer Tiger Moth continues to attract the support of punters.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained four-year-old is now priced at $7 on fixed odds with the TAB, but there has also been heavy support for the Horsham-trained Surprise Baby, which is now $7.50.
Epsom Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck and the dominant Cox Plate victor Sir Dragonet shared favouritism at $8 with Tiger Moth on Saturday night after the barrier draw.
But the pair have drifted. Anthony Van Dyck, which will be ridden by Hugh Bowman, is now priced at $10, while Sir Dragonet is considered a $12 chance.
The TAB reports some significant wagers have been placed in the last hour on the following hopefuls;
$10,000 each-way @ $9.50/$3.12 on Prince Of Arran
$7000 @ $12 on Sir Dragonet
$7000 @ $11 on Verry Elleegant
$3000 @ $7 on Tiger Moth
$1000 @ $41 on Miami Bound
Debbie Schipp 2.00pm: Runs Outrageous(ly) well fresh, scores
Outrageous resumed from a spell to score a first-up win on Cup day with victory in the
Grinders Coffee Roasters Trophy (1400m).
Rated perfectly by William Pike, the $9 shot settled in third and as the field turned for home, pulled off the fence, found room and let down to snatch a two-length break on the field midway down the straight.
Ocular and The Difference tried to peg the gap, but were left trailing in Outrageous’ wake and had to settle for second and third.
The perfect ride. Willie Pike has scored on Lexus #MelbourneCup Day aboard Outrageous. @brentzerafa another winner at nice odds. âœ”ï¸ @HawkesRacing pic.twitter.com/oMb0gYtaYR
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 3, 2020
Favourite Groundswell weakened in the straight.
Debbie Schipp 1.40pm: Track upgraded to Good 3 ahead of Cup
The Flemington track has been upgraded to a Good 3 for the remainder of the day’s racing.
Meanwhile, Cup favourite Tiger Moth is in the building …
Here's the favourite for the #MelbourneCup - Tiger Moth! pic.twitter.com/FwTsBP5blj
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 3, 2020
and other hopefuls have settled nicely into their race day stalls. (#teamFinche).
Vow and Declare, Finche and Verry Elleegant looking relaxed with 2 hours to go before the @Lexus #MelbourneCup pic.twitter.com/chDgQVGBkS
— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) November 3, 2020
Debbie Schipp 1.35pm: Three wins in a row seals the deal
Ain’tnodeeldun made it three wins in succession with a barnstorming finish in the TAB Trophy (1800m) at Flemington. Sent out favourite, the colt made no mistakes, finding the line hard after Ultimate Edition and Mark Zahra set a cracking pace early in the race.
The pair cleared out to lead by five lengths, but as they turned for home with 700m to go, the
the challengers came.
With 450m to go the long straight took its toll, Ultimate Edition folding and Ain’tnodeeldun sealing the deal thanks to well-judged ride by Damian Lane. Longshot Confrontational bravely chipped away to finish second. Gringzinger Lord hung on for third.
Ultimate Edition tried to run away with it but Ain'tnodeeldun was given a sweet ride and the talented @FreedmanRacing galloper won very impressively.
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 3, 2020
This horse is certainly worth following into the Autumn. pic.twitter.com/2KsHAg0MMv
Courtney Walsh 1.00pm: Training duo celebrates early Cup day double
The training partnership of Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig have brought up a double at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day.
After winning the 150th running of the Maribyrnong Plate with Finance Tycoon to open the Melbourne Cup card, Sin To Win stormed home to win Race 4 for jockey Luke Currie.
After settling midfield, Sin To Win hit the front at the 200m and drew clear to win the 2800m staying test.
Naval Warfare snared second position off race favourite Yonkers near the finish line.
“It has been a very good start and I hope it can continue,” Hayes said.
“There is a really good group of people in this horse. It has been a little frustrating. He has been running well but hasn’t been able to win a lot.
“He was fantastic today. He is a very sound horse and has a good temperament … and when they can win a race like this on the biggest race day of the year, it is all worth it.”
Earlier Craig Williams, who will ride Australia’s leading hopeful Surprise Baby in the Melbourne Cup, landed a winner aboard Alleboom in Race 3 when starting favourite.
No Restriction was a long odds winner at $41 in Race 2 for Ballarat-based trainer Archie Alexander and jockey Declan Bates.
Bates, who will have his first Melbourne Cup ride on German stayer Ashrun, said he was pleased to claim a nerve-settling win early on the card.
Debbie Schipp 12.45pm: Droughtbreaker for Sin To Win
Swooper Sin to Win has taken the cash with his first win since 2018 in the The Maccas Run (2800m) at Flemington.
Knights Order strode clear the first time past the post, with Naval Warfare settling in second and that’s where the pair stayed til the top of the straight.
Heading for home, they sprinted clear, but then Luke Currie set Sin To Win alight on his swooping run from the rear of the field.
The gelding strode clear, with Naval Warfare bravely battling on for second, and Yonkers, who travelled three-wide for much of the race, a game third.
Knights Order, who led for the bulk of the race, clung on for fourth.
Sin To Win has broken the drought, his first win since 2018.
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 3, 2020
From near last he wins superbly to give @lindsayparkrace a double on Lexus #MelbourneCup Day. @FlemingtonVRC pic.twitter.com/bihzi7nbeI
Debbie Schipp 12.20pm: $1 bet. $30,000 win: Simples
A TAB punter has taken advantage of a boilover and a single dollar to land $30,000.
The unknown punter picked the first four in race 2 at Flemington – in order.
So when $41 roughie No Restriction saluted, the winnings were always going to be big.
And when the two most fancied in the race — Joviality and Twains Express — failed to find a place, the odds just got better.
The punter correctly chose No Restriction, Pride Of Jenni, Ripper Rita and Sweet Reply to fill the first four spots. On the NSW TAB the first four dividend was $30,070.10.
Debbie Schipp 12.05pm: Boom! Favourite delivers in 1000m dash
Favourite Alleboom has made every post a winner to take out the third at Flemington, the
Schweppervescence Plate (1000m).
Alleboom led early in the 100m charge, storming up the middle of the track.
Hard Landing on the inside went stride for stride with the favourite, and appeared to have his measure at the clock tower, but the favourite knuckled down to take it with Craig Williams aboard. Mr Moppett was third.
Alleboom and Hard Landing battled throughout the Schweppervescence Plate but it's Richard and Chantelle Jolly to the fore again. 👌 @TheRacesSA @RJollyRacing pic.twitter.com/yDBbOBLOhR
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 3, 2020
Remy Varga 11.45am: Gai Waterhouse blasts Andrews’ Cup limits
Racing queen Gai Waterhouse says Daniel Andrews needs to “wake up” as she branded the decision to ban spectators at this year’s Melbourne Cup as ridiculous.
The legendary horse trainer said on Tuesday that Victoria risked “going broke”, saying the country had been cut off at the knees.
“It’s quite ridiculous really, the way they’ve gone on in Victoria,” she said. “The Premier there should wake up and let people go on with their business,” she told Sydney radio station 2GB.
“The state will go broke the way they are going. We have to get on with it.
“By all means social distance … but you can’t have the country cut off at the knees. People can keep their space, wash their hands, wear masks if they want to.”
The 160th running of the Melbourne Cup will take place with no spectators in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Remy Varga 11.33am: Sunshine … and no Cup crowd there to enjoy it
In another lifetime, Flemington Racecourse would right now be erupting with racegoers armed with fascinators, champagne and hope they’d picked a winner.
But this is 2020 and the rose-lined grounds are desolate — aside from security, the odd trainer and a couple of photographer snapping images of emptiness.
In a cruel twist of fate, Melbourne’s notoriously temperamental weather has delivered glorious sunshine to mark the 160th running of the Melbourne Cup.
The race that stops the nation isn’t to be defeated by the coronavirus, even if it’s taking place in a radically different way.
Debbie Schipp 11.25am: Roughie unleashes to take fillies race
No Restriction has flown home to take out the second at Flemington, the World Horse Racing Desirable Stakes (1400m) at huge odds of more than 40-1.
The flying filly swooped late to gobble up Pride of Jenni, who held on for second. Ripper Rita was third.
Favourite Joviality had a horror run — was last out of the barriers, last rounding the turn, then ran into dead ends while full of running close to home. Plenty of hard luck stories here: Sweet Reply also unlucky.
No Restriction at big odds nabs Pride Of Jenni and Ripper Rita on the line in the @WHR Desirable Stakes. Well done to Declan Bates and @archi3alexander. pic.twitter.com/nYqPFLRtjC
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 3, 2020
Courtney Walsh 10.56am: It’s OK, jockey’s fine, Tycoon a winner
One of Australian racing’s most famous names delivered the opening winner at Flemington.
In an upset in the 150th Maribyrnong Plate for two-year-olds, Finance Tycoon was able to upset odds-on favourite Ingratiating, with first starter Marine One running third.
The winner is trained by Ben Hayes, a grandson of Colin Hayes and son of David Hayes, who is now training in Hong Kong.
Ben Hayes trains in partnership with Tom Dabernig for Lindsay Park.
There was a minor drama after the race when Finance Tycoon, which started $8.50 with the TAB, threw jockey Luke Nolen from the saddle.
Nolen was not injured and was swiftly on his feet in an bid to catch Finance Tycoon.
Moments earlier Nolen said the experience of having one run down the Flemington straight had helped Finance Tycoon.
The colt, by Written Tycoon from Darook Park, assumed control not long after the start of the 1,000m sprint and held off the hot favourite Ingratiating.
“They do a good job with their juveniles, Lindsay Park,” he said.
“He was always a little backwards coming forward and not too sure what it is about. I think he possesses nice ability.”
Debbie Schipp 10.52am: Upset as Tycoon knocks off favourite, dumps jockey
Finance Tycoon ($8.30) knocked off hot favourite Ingratiating to take the first at Flemington: the Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate (1000m). And then he knocked off his jockey.
Jockey Luke Nolen took the colt to the lead in the long Flemington straight, and boxed on well to hold off Damien Oliver aboard Ingratiating, proving just too tough for the favourite.
Whoops!! 😆
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 2, 2020
Luke Nolen was straight back to his feet after this little mishap. 😮 pic.twitter.com/FNblcNpT9e
Finance Tycoon then decided he’d make his own way back to the winner’s stall, unceremoniously dumping Nolen on the way back to the mounting yard.
Nolen had to return on foot.
Placings: 1. Finance Tycoon. 2. Ingratiating. 3. Marine One.
An upset in the first on Lexus #MelbourneCup Day.
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 2, 2020
Blinkers worked a treat for Finance Tycoon who beats home short-priced favourite Ingratiating. @lindsayparkrace pic.twitter.com/6zCbGvqeQt
Debbie Schipp 10.35am: Change of tactics for Vow And Declare
Last year’s Cup winner Vow and Declare will take advantage of barrier four and be ridden closer than in his recent outings, trainer Danny O’Brien has advised stewards at Flemington.
Vow and Declare is aiming for back-to-back Cups with Jamie Mott in the saddle.
Debbie Schipp 10am: Bart cuts a lonely figure at empty Flemington
The first race for Cup day is less than an hour away, but it’s an eerie sight at the track, which would normally be overflowing with crowds already.
The statue of the Cup King — the late trainer Bart Cummings who trained the winner 12 times — cuts a lonely figure in front of eerily empty stands at Flemington.
Bart’s grandson, trainer James Cummings, will saddle up Avilius, from the powerful Godolphin stable, in the Cup.
Courtney Walsh 8.55am: Flemington track looks in top shape
The Flemington track has been assessed as good on the morning of a Melbourne Cup with clear skies and warm temperatures expected.
An assessment by TurfTrax rates the going as. Good 4, with the rail out two metres from its regular position.
The money has continued to come for lightly raced Irish stayer Tiger Moth, which is currently a clear favourite.
With jockey Kerrin McEvoy seeking to join immortals Bobby Lewis and Harry White as a four-time winner of the Melbourne Cup, Tiger Moth has firmed to $7.
There has been a scratching on race morning, with the Lloyd Williams-owned Kings of Leogrance withdrawn.
The Adelaide Cup winner, which was to be ridden by Damien Lane, showed signs of lameness on Tuesday morning.
Sam Freedman, who saddles up last year’s Victoria Derby winner Warning, is confident the stayer will finish in the top ten.
“If he could run Top 8 or 9 we’d be happy. He’s a better horse when he gets to fight them off rather than chase them down,” he told RSN 927.
Andreas Wohler, who became the first German trainer to win the Melbourne Cup when Protectionist saluted in 2014, is pleased with Ashrun.
The German stayer clinched a spot in the Melbourne Cup when winning the Hotham Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.
“He’s really fresh and well and bright. He’s taken it better than I thought,” Wohler said.
The temperature is predicted to hit 29C when the Cup is run at 3pm, which would make it the warmest since the success of Projectionist six years ago.
The latest TurfTrax GoingMap for Flemington:
Track Rating: Good 4
GoingStick: 9.4 – Inside 9.6 – Outside 9.1 – Shear 11.8
Rail: 2 Metres
Irrigation: 24hr- 9mm 7 Days- 40mm
Weather: Fine 30c – Wind 19km NNE
Additional Info: Rain 24hr- 0mm Rain 7 Days- 0mm Moisture- 37%
Daniel Sankey 8.27am: King of Leogrance out of Cup
Adelaide Cup winner King of Leogrance is a shock late scratching from today’s Melbourne Cup after a vet inspection this morning revealed lameness in his off foreleg.
Owner Nick Williams told racing.com that King of Leogrance — a 50/1 hope before his scratching — had presented this morning with a pulse in his foot.
“It’s one of those things that happens,” Williams said.
“He must have a bit of a bruise there somewhere or an abscess brewing. It would be one of the two.
“If it had’ve arrived yesterday we probably could have treated it and had some chance (of running). If it arrived tomorrow it wouldn’t have been a problem.
“Unfortunately it arrived today. There’s nothing we can do about it.”
"He must have a bit of a bruise there somewhere or an abscess brewing."
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 2, 2020
King Of Leogrance has been scratched from the Melbourne Cup. The latest on the injury 👇 https://t.co/xk5Ivynr5V
Daniel Sankey 8am: Our experts give their Melbourne Cup verdict
Our 12 experts are split on the top chance in this year’s Melbourne Cup, with race favourite 21 TIGER MOTH and returning international raider 12 PRINCE OF ARRAN the most favoured selections.
Brendan Cormick, Stephen Brassel and Gilbert Gardiner have all selected Tiger Moth, the Aidan O’Brien-trained entire who’s aiming to become the third northern hemisphere-bred three-year-old to win the race in the past four years.
Our team weigh in with their #MelbourneCup selections. @guestyracing @PaulJoice1 @Quinny_1 @TonyBrassel @RayThomas_1 @gatorgately @defier1 @DufficyRon pic.twitter.com/K1OOFHcVKb
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) November 2, 2020
■ Read our Ultimate Melbourne Cup guide, with jockey colours, form, tips and Francesca Cumani’s analysis, here.
In Prince of Arran’s corner are Wally Mason, Brad Waters and Simon Mooy.
Will Swanton thinks 13 SURPRISE BABY can score a win for the locals, while both Ray Thomas and Daniel Sankey have made the Chris Waller-trained import 11 FINCHE their top pick.
Tony Arrold, who tipped Vow and Declare to win last year’s Melbourne Cup, will be on Cox Plate winner 5 SIR DRAGONET, while Francesca Cumani likes roughie 19 WARNING and Courtney Walsh is on 4 MASTER OF REALITY.
Millions of Aussie punters have something they fancy in tomorrow’s Melbourne Cup.
— Tabcorp (@Tabcorp) November 2, 2020
Here’s what several members of our Trading team think.
#CreateAwesomeMoments #LongMayWePlay #MelbourneCup pic.twitter.com/7jlOvHNOD6
FRANCESCA CUMANI
19 WARNING
23 Miami Bound
17 The Chosen One
Best roughie: 9 Stratum Albion
BRENDAN CORMICK
21 TIGER MOTH
12 Prince of Arran
1 Anthony Van Dyck
Best roughie: 6 Twilight Payment
COURTNEY WALSH
4 MASTER OF REALITY
13 Surprise Baby
1 Anthony Van Dyck
Best roughie: 9 Stratum Albion
WILL SWANTON
13 SURPRISE BABY
21 Tiger Moth
5 Sir Dragonet
Best roughie: 11 Finche
WALLY MASON
12 PRINCE OF ARRAN
1 Anthony Van Dyck
15 Russian Camelot
Best roughie: 19 Warning
TONEY ARROLD
5 SIR DRAGONET
15 Russian Camelot
21 Tiger Moth
Best roughie: 23 Miami Bound
STEPHEN BRASSEL
21 TIGER MOTH
5 Sir Dragonet
15 Russian Camelot
1 Anthony Van Dyck
Best roughie: 23 Miami Bound
BRAD WATERS
12 PRINCE OF ARRAN
1 Anthony Van Dyck
21 Tiger Moth
9 Stratum Albion
Best roughie: 16 Steel Prince
RAY THOMAS
11 FINCHE
12 Prince of Arran
21 Tiger Moth
7 Verry Elleegant
Best roughie: 24 Persan
GILBERT GARDINER
21 TIGER MOTH
1 Anthony Van Dyck
12 Prince Of Arran
13 Surprise Baby
Best roughie: 24 Persan
SIMON MOY
12 PRINCE OF ARRAN
15 Russian Camelot
|1 Anthony Van Dyck
11 Finche
Best roughie: Persan
DANIEL SANKEY
11 FINCHE
12 Prince of Arran
15 Russian Camelot
5 Sir Dragonet
Best roughie: 4 Master of Reality
■ Who’s your tip for the race that stops the nation? Tell us in the comments section at the bottom of the page and compare with your fellow readers.
Francesca Cumani 7.30am: Every Melbourne Cup runner analysed
Here are Francesca Cumani’s thoughts on every Melbourne Cup runner today.
1. ANTHONY VAN DYCK
We have seen very well credentialed European horses running in the Melbourne Cup before but this is the first time an Epsom Derby winner has targeted this race. He has a huge amount of class and ran a very good race to finish second in the Caulfield Cup to Verry Elleegant under top weight and a wide barrier. Can he be the first horse to carry more than 56kg to victory since Maybe Diva?
2. AVILIUS
This Godolphin galloper finished down the field in the Melbourne Cup of 2018 when carrying 54.5kg and bypassed the race last year. He now has 57kg, has not won for over a year despite some good placings and is a suspect stayer at 3200m.
3. VOW AND DECLARE
Can the reigning Melbourne Cup winner be only the fifth horse in the history of the race to win it for a second time? He was successful last year when only carrying 52kg but his performances leading into this year’s renewal don’t suggest he can carry an extra 5kg to victory this time around.
4. MASTER OF REALITY
Since 1990 only Brew and Fiorente have won the Melbourne Cup after being beaten in it the year before, suggesting it’s not an easy feat. 27-year-old Melbourne Cup winning trainer Joseph O’Brien nearly took out his second Cup when Master of Reality was second past the post last year before being demoted to fourth for causing interference late on. Half a kilo more to shoulder this year but he has been trained all year with this target in mind.
5. SIR DRAGONET
Aiming to become only the 8th horse in history to complete the Cox Plate-Melbourne Cup double. He relished the soft ground and strong tempo of the Cox Plate on his first Australian start for the Maher Eustace stable to win in good style. Its his first attempt at 3200m but considering he debuted at 2500m the suggestion is he’s bred to stay.
6. TWILIGHT PAYMENT
Like his stablemate Master of Reality he will aim to become one of only a few horses to win this race after being beaten in it previously. He finished 11th last year after leading for much of the way at only a moderate tempo. Better form in Europe this year after having his training regime mixed up by young gun trainer Joseph O’Brien and bids to give owner Lloyd Williams his seventh win in the race.
7. VERRY ELLEEGANT
100 horses have tried to do the Caulfield Cup-Melbourne Cup double and only 11 have succeeded, the most recent being Ethereal 19 years ago. She was penalised half a kilo for that strong win over 2400m defeating Anthony van Dyck and whilst she doesn’t lack for talent she will need to settle over the 3200m to be sure of seeing out the trip and overcoming the recent Caulfield Cup curse.
8. MUSTAJEER
Disappointing second last in the Cup of 2019 after winning Europe’s most valuable handicap, the Ebor, at York earlier that year. Carries the same weight as last year but he would need to lift considerably on his form this spring to be a player here.
9. STRATUM ALBION
Trainer Willie Mullins is better known a maestro in the jumping world over in Europe but when he targets a staying race with a dual purpose horse like this you have to be brave to ignore it. He barely gets warmed up over 3200m and will want a strong and consistent tempo to see him at his best. He was a good last start second in traditionally a good UK form race, carries a competitive weight and goes around at juicy odds.
10. DASHING WILLOUGHBY
Smart UK stayer who Michael Walker chose to partner this spring over Prince of Arran. Very disappointing on Australian debut when last in the Caulfield Cup after leading them up. The reports are that his work at Werribee since has been good but he would need to leave that run a long way behind him.
11. FINCHE
A good stayer from the Chris Waller yard. He was 7th last year and 4th in 2018 and carries half a kilo extra this year. You can rely on him to run a solid race but his form suggests he is better over a shorter distance.
12. PRINCE OF ARRAN
This horse has some Melbourne Cup record. He finished 3rd in 2018 and was promoted to second last year so can he go one better on his third attempt for young UK training talent Charlie Fellowes? He only has to shoulder half a kilo more than 12 months ago and instead of having to force his way into the field like in the past, this year he enjoyed a really good hit out in the Caulfield Cup hitting the line really well for 4th. My sentimental favourite!
13. SURPRISE BABY
We all need a sprit lifter in the year of COVID-19 and this could be the horse to provide it. One of only a few locally bred horses who cost only $5,500 and is trained in the bush by Paul Preusker. He ran a brilliant race in the Melbourne Cup 12 months ago finishing late and fast for 5th and carries 1kg more this time around. Craig Williams replaces Jordan Childs this year.
14. KING OF LEOGRANCE
Scratched.
15. RUSSIAN CAMELOT
Born in March 2017 in Europe this Spring Carnival star in the making is technically only a three year old still. He has come a long way in a short time winning the South Australian Derby and the Underwood Stakes and finishing third in a Cox Plate just over two weeks ago. He is clearly very talented but not guaranteed at 3200m and is towards the end of a long campaign.
16. STEEL PRINCE
He could only manage 9th last year with 52.5kg but his form this time around is much better, notably when defeating the likes of Ashrun in the Geelong Cup for which he got a 1kg penalty taking him to 53.5kg this time around. Main concern is his ability to settle in the run and barrier 21 makes that task harder again.
17. THE CHOSEN ONE
Despite finishing 17th in the Melbourne Cup last year and having 1.5kg more this year there’s plenty to like about this horse that represents some value here. Third to Verry Elleegant and Anthony van Dyck in the Caulfield Cup at $61, a Sydney Cup runner up and a horse with a good record at Flemington trained by a master Kiwi handler and jumping from barrier 5.
18. ASHRUN
Trainer Andreas Wohler made the trek to Melbourne (via quarantine) from his home in Germany to see his horse win his way into the Cup field with a really good last to first win in the Lexus Hotham Stakes on Saturday. He was not rehandicapped for that win but he was unlucky enough to be give the widest barrier of all in 24. A first cup ride for Irish jockey Declan Bates.
19. WARNING
I wouldn’t be surprised to see this horse outrun his odds here. True he has only won two of his 16 races but they have both been at Flemington and one was the Victoria Derby. I think he likes a test of stamina and he needs the long straight to get fully wound up. In 2007 Efficient won the Melbourne Cup carrying 1.5kg more than Warning will and he similarly had not won a race since winning the Derby the year before. One for those that like a roughie.
20. ETAH JAMES
She was the winner of the Sydney Cup back in April with 51.5kg on her back and on a heavy track. She only has 52.5kg here but it would be a surprise to see her winning this year’s race, especially from barrier 22.
21. TIGER MOTH
Think Rekindling (winner 2017), think Cross Counter (winner 2018) and think Il Paradiso (slashing 3rd last year) and you’ll realise that the most recent formula for Melbourne Cup success is finding that lightly weighted, lightly raced northern hemisphere three-year-old. Tiger Moth bids to give the world’s most successful trainer Aidan O’Brien his first win in the race after many attempts. However, he is attempting the 3200m for the first time, its only his 5th lifetime start and no horse has won from barrier 23 since Van Der Hum in 1976.
22. OCEANEX
She won her way into the race with a win in the Andrew Ramsden earlier in the year and beating King of Leogrance in the process. The light weight gives her an appeal as does her record at Flemington — three wins from five starts — but the distance is a query here.
23. MIAMI BOUND
This time last year this Danny O’Brien trained filly took out the VRC Oaks and she was an impressive winner of the Moonee Valley Cup last time out. Danny O’Brien who won this last year with Vow and Declare has three chances this year and despite the odds this just could be the best of them and aided by only 51kg and a decent barrier.
24. PERSAN
This is a young horse who is making his way up through the grades in good style. He has finished top two in his last nine starts culminating with a win in the Bart Cummings to secure his place in this field with only 51kg. He has a great attitude and will to win but that may not be enough at this stage of his career to win especially from barrier 20 on his first attempt at 3200m.
7am: Melbourne Cup field
2020 MELBOURNE CUP FIELD
Flemington Race 7, 3pm — Tuesday, November 3
Distance: 3200m
Prizemoney: $7,750,000 — 1st $4,400,000 plus trophies; 2nd $1,100,000, 3rd $550,000, 4th $350,000, 5th $230,000, 6th-10th $160,000
1 ANTHONY VAN DYCK (Barrier 3) Jockey: Hugh Bowman; Trainer: Aidan O’Brien 58.5kg
2 AVILIUS (10) John Allen, James Cummings 57kg
3 VOW AND DECLARE (4) Jamie Mott, Danny O’Brien 57kg
4 MASTER OF REALITY (11) Ben Melham, Joseph O’Brien 56kg
5 SIR DRAGONET (14) Glen Boss, Ciaron Maher & David Eustace 55.5kg
6 TWILIGHT PAYMENT (12) Jye McNeil, Joseph O’Brien 55.5kg
7 VERRY ELLEEGANT (15) Mark Zahra, Chris Waller 55.5kg
8 MUSTAJEER (2) Michael Rodd, Kris Lees 55kg
9 STRATUM ALBION (9) Jordan Childs, Willie Mullins 55kg
10 DASHING WILLOUGHBY (19) Michael Walker, Andrew Balding 54.5kg
11 FINCHE (6) James McDonald, Chris Waller 54.5kg
12 PRINCE OF ARRAN (1) Jamie Kah, Charlie Fellowes 54.5kg
13 SURPRISE BABY (7) Craig Williams, Paul Preusker 54.5kg
14 KING OF LEOGRANCE (18) SCRATCHED
15 RUSSIAN CAMELOT (16) Damien Oliver, Danny O’Brien 53.5kg
16 STEEL PRINCE (21) William Pike, Anthony & Sam Freedman 53.5kg
17 THE CHOSEN ONE (5) Daniel Stackhouse, Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman 53.5kg
18 ASHRUN (24) Declan Bates, Andreas Wohler 53kg
19 WARNING (8) Luke Currie, Anthony & Sam Freedman 53kg
20 ETAH JAMES (22) Billy Egan, Ciaron Maher & David Eustace 52.5kg
21 TIGER MOTH (23) Kerrin McEvoy, Aidan O’Brien 52.5kg
22 OCEANEX (17) Dean Yendall, Mick Price & Michael Kent Jr 51.5kg
23 MIAMI BOUND (13) Daniel Moor, Danny O’Brien 51kg
24 PERSAN (20) Michael Dee, Ciaron Maher & David Eustace 51kg
Daniel Sankey 6.30am: Melbourne Cup betting
The Aidan O’Brien-trained Tiger Moth looks set to jump favourite in today’s Melbourne Cup after firming from $8.50 into $7 yesterday.
Local hope Surprise Baby, an eye-catching fifth in last year’s Cup, is on the second line of betting at $8 ahead of topweight Anthony Van Dyck and Caulfield Cup fourth placegetter Prince of Arran (both $10).
After opening the day at $8.50, Tiger Moth is now into $7 to take out the #MelbourneCup pic.twitter.com/crmHExYa8l
— TAB (@tabcomau) November 2, 2020
MELBOURNE CUP BETTING
(TAB fixed odds at 8.15am. Check official odds here)
$7 Tiger Moth
$8 Surprise Baby
$10 Anthony Van Dyck, Prince of Arran
$11 Verry Elleegant
$12 Sir Dragonet
$13 Russian Camelot
$17 Finche
$21 Master of Reality
$26 Ashrun, Twilight Payment
$31 The Chosen One, Persan
$34 Miami Bound
$41 Steel Prince, Vow and Declare, Stratum Albion
$51 Avilius, Warning
$61 Dashing Willoughby
$71 Mustajeer, Etah James, Oceanex
Late scratching: King of Leogrance
Courtney Walsh 6am: McEvoy confident aboard Tiger Moth
Kerrin McEvoy is approaching a historic Melbourne Cup without a set plan on race favourite Tiger Moth as he seeks to equal the record as the race’s most successful jockey.
The three-time Melbourne Cup winning jockey, who has ridden Brew, Almandin and Cross Counter to successes, will assess the early pace before deciding where to place his Irish hopeful.
“He’s an old head on young shoulders.â€
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 2, 2020
Three-time Melbourne Cup winning rider Kerrin McEvoy will be aboard a very inexperienced horse in the #MelbourneCup – but he’s not concerned. #AfterTheLast pic.twitter.com/KD2fzSEbNJ
The 40-year-old is seeking to give champion Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien, who will also start top-weight Anthony Van Dyck, his first Melbourne Cup winner with the lightly-raced stayer.
McEvoy, who steered Brew to success in 2000 from the same barrier of 23 that Tiger Moth will jump from, admits he would have preferred not to have drawn so widely on what is shaping as a warm Melbourne Cup day.
McEvoy, who steered Brew to success in 2000 from the same barrier of 23 that Tiger Moth will jump from, admits he would have preferred not to have drawn so widely on what is shaping as a warm Melbourne Cup day.
TIGER MOTH & ANTHONY VAN DYCK warming up for the Melbourne Cup 🇦🇺 tomorrow morning
— Champions Series (@ChampionsSeries) November 2, 2020
🎥 @TomMagnier pic.twitter.com/ofp1tu3q5Y
“I have done it before from some wide gates, so no doubt we need an ounce of luck, but you need an ounce of luck in any race you ride in,” McEvoy said.
Read the full story here.
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