It's Melbourne Cup day - one of the greatest events on the racing calendar but also an absolute head scratcher to try and find a winner - here's my best tips for favourites and an outsider or two.
Almandin
Barrier: 14, Weight: 56.5, Trainer: Robert Hickmott (Mt. Macedon), Jockey: Frankie Dettori
Where else to start but last year's winner? Beat Heartbreak City in a phenomenal performance down the straight but that'll also play against it. Only four horses have ever won consecutive Melbourne Cups. Ridden by Frankie Dettori - a brilliant jockey but in 15 attempts, has never come away with the win at Flemington. A favourite on paper but I'd throw that paper out.
Humidor
Barrier: 13, Weight: 56, Trainer: Darren Weir (Warrnambool), Jockey: Blake Shinn
One of the Kiwi connections in the race. Ran the race of its life couple weeks ago when he came second to Winx in the Cox Plate. Has to be a great chance after that performance in the Caulfield Cup. Distance shouldn't be an issue.
Hartnell
Barrier: 12, Weight: 57.5, Trainer: James Cummings (Flemington), Jockey: Damian Lane
Ran third in the race last year - has a good record at 3200m. Has a win and two placings at Flemington as well but had better form last year entering the race. Still a chance though.
Marmelo
Barrier: 16, Weight: 55, Trainer: Hughie Morrison (East Ilsley (GB)), Jockey: Hugh Bowman
Best chance of everyone. Ran a superb Caulfield Cup and looked like it needed the 3200m to shine. Hugh Bowman on board as well - he usually rides Winx so he knows how to win a race. Two-time winner at over 3000m so distance isn't an issue.
Thomas Hobson
Barrier: 20, Weight: 52, Trainer: William Mullins (Ireland), Jockey: Joao Moreira
One of my favourite outsiders. Drawn wide at 20 which will hold it back a bit but it's a stayer at 3200m. It can be done for out wide. Great Spanish jockey in Joao Moreira at the helm as well.
Amelie's Star
Barrier: 10, Weight: 51, Trainer: Darren Weir (Warrnambool), Jockey: Dean Yendall
If you're reading this and thinking about its run in the Caulfield Cup, bare with me! The trainer came forward and said he was furious with how the jockey rode that race. If it's ridden a little bit better this time, could stun everyone. Drawn on the inside half too which could give a boost.
That's all folks! Good luck with your sweep-stakes or if you're having a flutter!
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