Racing 2024 G1 Melbourne Cup (3200m)

Melbourne Cup winner?


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Last top 10 thoughts before Tuesday. Will post my actual bets later if anyone is interested but...


1. BUCKAROO - Just has to go on top for me after that Caulfield Cup run. Whether there are doubts on the trip or not the eye test from that race said back me in a MC. Brings through the super strong WFA form which historically is very good and just has panels on what these others are coming through. Draws the carpark but really not that concerned when they have an age to find a position and he can slot in anywhere in the run and be fine.

2. ABSURDE - Brings across much stronger form than the Euros who have already been out here and dominated and price has barely budged the whole way through. Travelled and ran well enough last year in a stronger race and meeting the stablemate a kilo better off a good advantage.

3. VAUBAN - Another Euro who brings out much better form than the ones we have already seen out here. Failing last year as favourite isn't ideal but basically the same horse and getting a bigger price this year in a weaker field. I do have concerns on a firm track but his best is better than most we have seen.

4. SEA KING - Fantastic win in the Bendigo Cup making a run from a long way out and just going clear up the straight. Little between him and Onesmoothoperator but have to give him the slight edge coming through the Ebor together where he held an SP profile advantage and have seen nothing in their runs out here to move the needle on either of them.

5. ONESMOOTHOPERATOR - Great win in the Geelong Cup showing a decent turn of speed off a slowly run race. Should suit these conditions but have yo have him just behind Sea King.

6. SAINT GEORGE - Entire prep looked absolutely cooked coming up to the bend in the MV Gold Cup but really got warmed up late for a nice Cup trial. One time favourite and on his European form last year would be likely winning so you at least know he has a level in him that could win if 3200m at Flemington wakes him up.

7. OKITA SOUSHI - Finally found form in this country and running well. Was going like complete dog shit into the race last year and still ran pretty well so should go much better this year. Will be really strong at the end of 2 miles as well.

8. WARP SPEED - Went like shit at Caulfield but to be fair that's exactly what most were expecting once the track was soft. Flemington and a firm track are what he needs and at his best could easily be running into F4s here and we are getting a price now to find out for exotics.

9. MOSTLY CLOUDY - Looking for the Sheraz style blow out chances now for rough F4s because I don't think there is much between what we have here in the staying ranks and the ones at triple figures are only marginally behind those much shorter. He is a real tough 2 miler who will run the trip right and SPd $4.80 against Point King a couple runs ago who was like 4th or 5th pick in the betting before coming out.

10. FANCY MAN - Another real bolter to include for F4s. Was 3WNC in the Naturalism and ran well, ran a decent 3rd in the Herbert Power just behind Okita Soushi and then 6th in the Caulfield Cup was probably better than everything outside the first 3 home.
 

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Race 5: Lexus Stakes (Hotham Handicap) now to be run on Makybe Diva Stakes Day instead of being run on Victoria Derby day

Winner still gets automatic entry into Melbourne Cup.


 

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Grosvenor Square can stay home.

You wouldn't send Jan Brueghel down here now.

Illinois or bust. Run of the race there and would be the best type for him to send anyway at this point I think
 
Why did they move it ? Always was a novelty that last cup spot days before

Not sure why. Maybe because in its original timeslot (run on Vic Derby day) the Archer Stakes/Melbourne Cup double has not been done since 2009.

Archer Stakes/Melbourne Cup Double

2009: Shocking
2000: Brew
1974: Think Big
1958: Baystone
1949: Foxzami
1944: Sirius
1943: Dark Felt
1931: White Nose
1922: King Ingoda
1870: Nimblefoot

Maybe in its new timeslot, the "double" can be achieved once again. There used to be a lot of tired horses/tired winners of the Archer Stakes heading into the Cup when the race was run on Vic Derby Day. By running the race on Makybe Diva Stakes Day in September, it makes things easier for the horse.

See article below about why the change was made:

 
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Oh wow - we could be on here



Would be happy with either but Illinois just makes the most sense. More ready, had his chances to win a Euro G1, has shown ability over the mile and a half which you want.

JB looks just far too much like he could be the next Strad or Kyprios in waiting to risk cooking him with a trip to Melbourne as a 3yo. Racing style also a lot more dour which isn't really the ideal type anyway
 

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Racing 2024 G1 Melbourne Cup (3200m)

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