Check out the preview below and don’t forget to follow betr on Instagram for more racing tips. 

Melbourne Cup 2025 Tips

1. Valiant King
2. Al Riffa
3. Presage Nocturne
4. Half Yours
5. River of Stars
6. Goodie Two Shoes

Far from a vintage QE in my opinion. Via Sistina heads the market at 5/4 after beating absolutely nothing in the Ranvet but was all style. All honours her for sure overcoming the slow tempo and sectionals home were outstanding. Could be a moral but I’m wary of the change in race shape here. 13 lengths slow they went in the Ranvet to the 600m, completely different to what Pride of Jenni will serve up here after going 17 lengths fast when leading them up in the Aus Cup. Nothing to suggest a more genuinely run race won’t help Via Sistina all the same and if she can survive the acid test, then she’s the winner. POJ awfully gallant at Flemington but her past two runs must have taken something out of her and it’s a hard proposition leading all the way at Randwick, even with the rail out. Cascadian’s a beauty and runs well again but will spot the favourite a start and was ridden to perfection last start. Hate potting Joe Pride but hard to have the three-year-old back in trip. Mr. Brightside absolutely cooked and 2000m not his go. Was inclined to stay out here but the lack of opposition makes it hard. Monitoring the track but Via Sistina I think you have to be on.

BACKING – 8. VIA SISTINA  

OAKS (2400m)

The NZ filly looks a class above these. Was the most unsuited in the Vinery, stepping back in trip off a four-week break and struck a walking contest where they only sprinted from the 600m. There to be beaten but surged late and hit the line with real intent. 2400m no doubt to her advantage and there’s not much for her to beat here. The inside draws a slight niggle, with the potential to get strung up behind some slow ones but she maps in front of key rivals and J-Mac gets it right more often than not. Think only bad luck beats her. As I mentioned pre the Derby, Zardozi has had a different set up this time to when she won the Vic Oaks. Potentially not as seasoned this preparation and gives up her ace with a drying track. Record at Randwick is also far from stellar. Against her. Autumn Angel good in the Adrian Knox where the big weight beat her. Quick back-up helps and likely to have admirers but doubt she has the quality, especially at a mile and a half. If you took $1.60 Orchestral in the Vinery I’d be more comfortable taking the same price here. $1.80-$1.90 I’ll be happily stepping in.

BACKING – 1. ORCHESTRAL

SYD CUP (3200m)

Absolute lottery. Circle of Fire I couldn’t have out of a weak Chairmans and has come up with the carpark. Progressive animal but spots them a start and lines up against some seasoned campaigners here. The Tancred looks equally poor in all honesty but looks the starting point. Ashrun sports a solid SP and was good late in limited room. Weighted relatively poorly out of that run but ticks the 3200m box and no doubt set for this. Athabascan the other one out of the Tancred hitting the line in the fastest L200m split. First go two miles but gives the impression he will stay and gets down in the weights. Smell of a real take it in turn race and one to go wide in the quaddie. No interest.

QUEEN OF THE TURF (1600m)

Solid edition this year with a number of different angles. Happy to take on Zougotcha who was scratched from the Doncaster last week. Third up now which might be against her with six of her seven wins coming either first or second up. No doubt favours here drawn to stalk the speed with McDonald, but I think too short. I’m a big Tropical Squall fan and I thought her run in the Coolmore was super. Following a very similar pattern too last preparation where she exploded third up to win the Flight this course and distance. Gets Hippo back and gets total control. Probably a watch as track pattern dependant but I do think the $7 is a good price. Will wait as I think likely to get better but happy to be on each-way. Atishu the danger who loomed as the winner of the Aus Cup. Just peaked late but back to her own sex and drawn to settle close in the run. The three aforementioned look the only hopes in the race to me so likely to trade around all three but Tropical Squall to be the best result.

BACKING – 14. TROPICAL SQUALL

OTHERS

RACE 2 – 4. ROBRICK – Looks an easy bet to have at the $6, with the short SP out of the Darby Munro where nothing went right. Step to 1400m looks a positive and gets B Melham back aboard. Sticky draw but if it plays down the middle I think hard to hold out.

RACE 3 – 2. STRAIT ACER – Thought his run at Wyong was massive coming from near last to savage the line. Could just be a deep prep animal so primed here 4^th up and drawn closer to give Zahra options. Open race but happy to be on each-way.

RACE 4 – 1. LADY OF CAMELOT – Close to best of the day for me. No qualms with the extra week off and staying at the six furlongs a definite positive. Wide draw to contend with but it’s a straight run at Randwick and I think she’s just better than them. Eneeza a good run in the Slipper when had to be dragged but she had LOC’s back in the Diamond and couldn’t get past her. Empress of Japan a big win on debut at Gosford and will make a result at big odds.

RACE 5 – 1. OZZMOSIS – Speed galore engaged here so hoping he’s ridden with a smother from the good draw and if so, could absolutely explode. The trial since the Galaxy debacle was enormous and tactically advantaged here against the girls. Learning to Fly I’m not sold on. This does look a set up with the 42-day break bit I’ll stand her. Joliestar potentially the best horse in the race. Loved the trials but is six furlongs too sharp? The betting will be interesting with her.

Might be in the minority but I’m not subscribing to the talk that this is a vintage slipper. Storm Boy a deserved favourite off what we’ve seen and I’m intrigued to see what the market does with him on the day.I wouldn’t be surprised to see him start in the red and blow them away. The question mark solely looks the draw, and if he’s tardy away he could find himself in a sticky spot three back the fence and hunting for gaps. With that said, with all things being equal I think he looks the winner it’s just whether or not you want to take the price. The clear bet in the race for me is Lady Of Camelot. Herculean run in the Diamond sitting outside the lead on a hot speed and only being collared in the shadows. Trialled up superb since with B Shinn going aboard and has plenty of options from the draw. The market’s gravitated towards her but I still think good value each way and would be surprised to not see her in the finish. Happy to be around Switzerland. The horse puts himself in the right spots but he’s had all favours in each career start and more tradesman like than brilliant in my opinion. Bodyguard the best roughie in the race for mine. Snicked from a wide draw in the Todman off a setback but still hit the line nicely. Suited by a strong speed here and certainly not without claims. 

OTHER BETS

ROSEHILL RACE 6 – IMMEDIACY – Was shattered to see him come up with the wide draw cause I thought this was his race after being dominant in Melbourne. Nevertheless, likely goes back to last here but just may be the superior stayer. With a track playing fairly I think you can be on him each-way.

ROSEHILL RACE 7 – ENCAP – Unlucky in the Randwick Guineas when disappointed for a run all the way up the straight. Showed there he can run out a strong mile and gets the perfect smother here from the draw to pounce on them late. Think good value at the $9.

BACKING – 4. COLEMAN, 8. HIGH OCTANE & 10. FEARLESS

OAKLEIGH PLATE – Five and a half furlongs for the speedsters. King’s Gambit so interesting here as favourite. He’s probably better than these and very appealing with just the 50kg to carry but an absolute poison draw in 1. Will need everything to go right or a gem of a weaving steer from J Kah. Hard to see it and as such, I can’t see how you can be on him. Happy to give Asfoora another go despite her somewhat disappointing run in the Rubiton. Dominant SP there and her record at Caulfield is super. Very open race away from those two.

BACKING – 2. ASFOORA

SILVER SLIPPER – Betting says a match race and that likely looks the case with stablemates Straight Charge and Espionage set to lock horns again. It was Espionage who took first up honors in the Breeders, and I would lean his way again after trialing up strongly. Drawn to get the suck run from 3 and get over the top of them. Early money has been for Straight Charge so if the market continues to trend this way will be on Espionage at 7/4 or $3 +.

BACKING – 1. ESPIONAGE

HOBARTVILLE – Great race and the traditional Randwick Guineas lead-up. I was hot on Celestial Legend for the Guineas and have a ticket on him but I expected slightly more in the Eskimo Price. Did seem to get going again through the line but his sectionals weren’t outstanding comparatively so more hoping here for a good run. Tom Kitten was super first up hitting the line with real intent. If settles closer in the run here awfully hard to beat just no juice at the price. Encap a huge winning chance just poorly drawn. Going to have something on Ducasse who I thought really showed something first up breaking his maiden at Warwick Farm. Not far off these horses at all in the Spring and hopefully can use the good draw to settle slightly closer in the run. Around the $8/$9 mark looks acceptable in an open affair

BACKING 5. DUCASSE

OTHER BETS

Rosehill Race 7- 6. LADY LAGUNA – Looks the banker on what is a hard day. Flying running time in latest outings and boasts fitness edge over key rivals. Hard to beat. 

Rosehill Race 5 – 14. LORD ARDMORE – Awfully unsuited last start going 2000 back to the mile and racing in the worst ground. Looks a set up job back out in trip and drawn nicely for an economical run. Each-way.

Rosehill Race 9 – 5. QUICK TEMPO – He’s one of mine but was nice to see him ridden on speed in his most recent trial where he ran away from them effortlessly. Wicked turn of foot on his day so if Collett can use the draw here he’s a big price and really keen to be on him.

C.F. ORR (Race 9)

Mr. Brightside resumes off a top Spring where he went within an inch of claiming a Cox Plate. If he runs to his best, I think he simply wins this. Has shown in the past he’s a high-pressure beast and with the likes of Buffalo River and Pride of Jenni engaged, he can stalk a hot speed and finish over the top. Jumped out well and sure to be primed by Lindsay Park whom I’m tipping to have a big day. The three-year-old Veight certainly the danger. Looked just a win first up but I’m certain Moonee Valley isn’t his track and he rated well over the 1200m. Sure to be suited by the extra furlong and a horse on the up. Atishu one of mine and a horse perennially underrated by the market. Probably short of her best here but if they go suicidal in front she’ll be hitting the line  

Backing – 1. MR BRIGHTSIDE

BLUE DIAMOND PRELDE (FILLIES) (Race 7)

Like I said earlier I think it’ll be a big day for Lindsay Park, and this looks just about the best bet of the day in the shape of Bold Bastille. Ran them into the ground on debut at the Valley, running time with a leg in the air. Has had the setback but the recent jump out looked good and will trust the camp to have her right. Should jump, lead, and prove hard to get past.

If there is a stalker it looks to be Flattered who was a good run on debut when back and wide chasing Eneeza in a slowly run race. Drawn well to settle closer in the run and better suited out in trip.

Backing – 1. BOLD BASTILLE & Saving 5. FLATTERED

AUTUMN STAKES (Race 4)

Southport Tycoon looks awfully hard to beat here. Smashed in the betting first up at the Valley where he savaged the line to only be narrowly denied by Veight who goes around a live chance in the Group 1. Gets D Lane from a good draw and suited stepping to the seven furlongs. Proper form around him from the Spring and looks to have come back well. Very keen and think black odds are good odds.

Backing – 4. SOUTHPORT TYCOON

RANDWICK

ESKIMO PRINCE (Race 6)

Just about the race of the day with several handy three-year-olds resuming. Can understand the early money for Caballus, with the form already franked from his first up win and a fitness edge on his rivals. Think hard to beat but not keen to take the price with the map and he did still do things wrong first up. Celestial Legend, I think is potentially the best horse in this race just not sure about the set-up. Just one public trial where he was ridden quiet (but was super through the line) so may be a run short but he’s very talented. The draw also tricky as likely to be back on the fence. Will wait and see how the track plays and how the market treats him but think he is the Randwick Guineas winner. Makarena is the other that interests me here. She raised the bar at every run in her first campaign and trialled up strongly. Will push forward here from the draw and I give her a big chance. They’re the two for me but a great contest this.

Monitoring betting but like 6. CELESTIAL LEGEND & 9. MAKARENA

INGLIS MILLENNIUM (Race 7)

Impossible race with the lightly raced two-year-olds and a number set to peak him chasing the big prize money. As such happy to play wider and having something small on the David Payne trained Rag Queen, who was brilliant when winning on debut at Canterbury. Got the tempo to suit but she savaged the line in meeting best sectionals and did it with some style. Trialled in the interim and drawn nicely with Collett sticking with her. Good value each way I think at the $21/$5.

Backing – 12. RAG QUEEN

LONHRO PLATE (Race 2)

Keen to take on Anode who looks awfully short. Beat nothing on debut and recent trials have been plain. Celerity takes her place here after Godolphin decided against the trip south for the Diamond Prelude. The fact they had her nommed alone speaks volumes and she was well in the market when scratched at the gates in the Widden last week. Wide draw to contend with here but loved her trials and looks to have some class about her. Castanya was the other horse who interested me. Likely to get back from the draw but she was very good when clear and chasing Switzerland on debut. If they’re coming down the middle, she can be in the finish. Smaller bets on Celerity and Castanya due to there maps.

Backing – 8. CELERITY & 7. CASTANYA

FEATURES

G1 Thousand Guineas – 3. SKYBIRD – Rode for luck and got it at Moonee Valley but the win was of a good horse and maintained her unbeaten record. Will need some luck from the inside draw here but she easily looks the horse with the most upside and this a target.

G1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes – 3. STRAIGHT ACER – Perhaps the run of the day last start in the Golden Eagle when back and wide on a fence dominated day. Super record at this trip and maps ideally with the in-form M Zahra hopping aboard. Quite keen on him running a race at $8/$9.

CAULFIELD Race 6 – 2. BRAVE MEAD – Giving another chance after he was somewhat disappointing at Flemington. Maybe didn’t see out the mile so back to 1400m a positive and just think he is a better horse than the favourite. Zahra gets back on and with good tempo here, he can finish over the top.

NEWCASTLE Race 1 – 1. GRAM & 4. EFHARISTO – Taking the Godolphin bracket here in a race that looks to lack substance at the top of the market. Gram has trialled up stylishly on two occasions and liked the improvement of Efharisto from his first to his second. The 900m perhaps against them but think the market has to congest and against 2 & 5.

NEWCASTLE Race 6 – 2. STOCKMAN & 5. STROKE OF LUCK – Another bracket play and keen to be with these two runners after good showings in the Rosehill Cup. That looks the clear lead-up and both horses unsuited there when racing away from the rails on the inside advantaged day. Both suited out in trip and good odds at $8 each of two.

NEWCASTLE Race 9 – 11. TAVI TIME – Trialled up superbly this preparation and was well backed first up when given a bye. This looks a real set up job for the Lees camp on the home track and suited out to the mile. Very keen.

NEWCASTLE Race 10 – 6. PHEARSON – Unlucky first up and then very good the other day at Goulburn when only just collared late by a good horse in Grebeni. Won’t get total control here but hoping can slide across from the wide draw and stalk 1 and 4 into the race. Going well. Won’t be losing on Marnix either who savaged the line first up and looks underrated by the market.

1.GOLD TRIP
2022 Melbourne Cup winner, who returns looking to become just the fourth horse in history to win back-to-back Cups. Absolutely flying this prep, with a big win in the Turnbull before two perfect tune ups in the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate. Carries the top weight again, but it’s a congested weight scale this year and he’s drawn nicely for an economical run with that man McDonald going aboard. Loves Flemington. Obvious claims but does seem short enough in early markets.  

2. ALENQUER
Arrived on Australian shores early this year with a handy CV, being a previous Gold Cup winner and a starter in last year’s Arc De Triomphe, where he finished midfield. Warmed up for this by hitting the line solidly in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup last time out (fastest last 200m sectional of the race). Not sure that’s the A1 form but it does appear he is looking for more ground now. Would be a fairytale finish for Damien Oliver riding in his final Melbourne Cup but would need to improve significantly to be in the finish. .    

3. WITHOUT A FIGHT
I’m quite bullish on the Caulfield Cup winner, who’s had a faultless preparation and a fantastic season after racing into form over the QLD winter carnival. Question marks on his staying ability at two mile after failing last year, but much more suited on dry ground, and his late strength at the end of a brutally run Caulfield Cup was telling. More acclimatised now and not hard to predict further improvement third up. Zahra sticks. Can claim the Cups double. .    

4. BREAKUP
Japanese stayer who was very solidly supported $15-$10 in the Caulfield Cup in what was a good pipe opener for Tuesday. Looked flat late but sat handy enough to a good speed and dragged the winner into the race. Have to respect the Japanese when they travel their horses, and he looks one of only a handful of proper stayers in the race. Couple that with his second up record which is very good, and I think you can make a strong case. Question marks on where he gets too from the draw but there’s no doubt I want him on my side at $18.

5. VAUBAN
Long time Cup favourite who’s more commonly seen over the jumps, being a three-time Group 1 winning hurdler in Ireland. Willie Mullins brings this gelding to Australia in good form, winning impressively over the Royal Ascot carnival before claiming a Group 3 at his latest outing. Understandable hype around him and from all reports he couldn’t have worked any better. Looks incredibly short though for me and at the price I’ll be taking him on heavily.       

6. SOULCOMBE
Can Moreira get him out the gates? That aspect alone looks crucial to this horse’s chances after blown starts have cost him dearly in the Turnbull and the Caufield Cup. Hit the line super in both and been sectionally terrific in all four starts this prep. A low draw gives him the chance to settle closer and if he can, he looks awfully dangerous. No issues at 3200m and back to Flemington is a real tick. Hard to totally trust but looks a strong winning chance.     

7. ABSURDE
Second of the Willie Mullins Irish raiders who was a winner of the Ebor Handicap before making his way to Melbourne. Lightly raced with just 15 starts, he ran second to Vauban at Royal Ascot ($6 SP) so you can easily tie him in despite the losing margin. That SP alone gives him claims and he’s drawn well here with a world class rider in Zac Purton aboard. Profiles as another horse that will stay all day and as such, I think some value at his current quote.

8. RIGHT YOU ARE
Consistent middle-distance type for the all-conquering Maher/Eustace team who was very solid in the Caulfield Cup running into 5th at $41. Loves it at Flemington, having only missed a place once in six starts at the course. With that said, he does look a step below some of the better credentialled runners and this will be his first go at 3200m. Runs well but outclassed.     

9. VOW & DECLARE
Cup winner of 2019 returning for his fourth tilt at the great race. Absolute credit to Danny O’Brien and the team who continue to race him soundly after he looked gone a few years ago. Showed his toughness again this prep with closing efforts in the Might and Power and the MV Gold Cup. The latter he was caught three wide the trip but still hit the line strongly. Drops 1.5kg from last year. As tough as old boots and whilst I struggle to see him winning, he’s hard to knock and one to look at for top 10 players.

10. CLEVELAND
Targeted betting move for him late in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup and the punters duly saluted after McDonald lifted him over the line. Solid in Sydney prior to that with grinding efforts in the Metrop and St Leger. Negatively weighted here and drawn the carpark in 23. Not for me.

11. ASHRUN
Had three years off the scene due to injury after last being seen as a starter in the 2020 Melbourne Cup, where he ran very credibly as a $26 chance. Have been quite taken with his efforts in the Bart Cummings, making up good ground on an on-pace dominated day. Then at Geelong, where he was unsuited by a sit sprint tempo. Would not surprise at $41 and can add juice to exotics.

12. DAQIANSWEET JUNIOR
Ran a very sound race last year when finding the line from a long way back. Failed to recapture that form this time in however and been well beaten in his four starts this preparation. Lacks the turn of foot I think to be competitive, and the negative racing pattern makes it hard.

13. OKITA SOUSHI
Stable representative for Joseph O’Brien, who has tasted great success in the Cup in recent times.
Like Vauban, was a winner at the Royal Ascot carnival in the Duke of Edinburgh before failing in the Irish St Leger. Must be said his Caulfield Cup run was flat, racing towards the rear and failing to make much of an impression after coming off the bit a long way from home. Hard to have.

14. SHERAZ
Sydney Cup placegetter from last year who’s struggled to recapture any form in 2023. Down the track placings in the Bart Cummings and MV Gold Cup at his latest and I think needs wet ground to find his best. Won’t be featuring here.

15. LASTOTCHKA
Interesting French import who joins the Price/Kent Jnr yard for the Australian Bloodstock juggernaut. Looks a pint-sized mare but her international form reads quiet well and is a winner at 3100m at her latest. Everything out of the camp is very positive and gets the services of Craig Williams with just 51kg. Drawn out but can roll forward and with luck past the post the first time, she can certainly run a race. Overs.

16. MAGICAL LAGOON
Failed to capture any form in two preparations in Australia now for Chris Waller. Rolled forward in the Geelong Cup and afforded every possible on a soft tempo when collared in the shadows. Other horses open to more improvement out of that and just does not have any ratings that would be competitive here.

17. MILITARY MISSION
Consistent galloper for the in-form Waterhouse/Bott yard who cemented a Cup start with a stylish win in the Herbert Power. That form does look B grade with the 2nd placegetter United Nations since failing on Derby Day. Drawn for a nice run and very fit but has to go to a new level.

18. SERPENTINE
One of the speed influences in the race who’s been solid this time in without winning. Nice foundation 4th up after three runs at 2400/2500m and gets some weight relief with just 51kg. Another I see struggling to win the race but can improve.

19. VIRTUOUS CIRCLE
Jumped out of the ground in the Autumn when narrowly beaten in the AJC Derby. Lacklustre this prep after being well supported in the Geelong Cup at his latest. Not the strongest form line for this in my opinion and making up the numbers on Tuesday.

20. MORE FELONS
Intriguing runner for the Waller stable who had his first Australian run at Geelong when closing intently out wide and against the race shape. Open to improvement 2nd up and has form over two mile in the UK. Finds Jamie Kah fresh off a Derby Day double but has come up with the visitors draw in 24. Likely ridden cold but with an expected hot tempo, I think he’ll be picking off a few late.

21. FUTURE HISTORY
Been up since June this horse but just continues to run through brick walls racing his way into the Cup with an all the way win in a solid rating Bart Cummings. Clearly relishing his racing and was very good again at Moonee Valley in the Gold Cup when racing wide for much of the race. Set for this and from a middle draw looks one of the better mapped runners in the race. Sense of timing about him and can only see him running well.

22. INTERPRETATION
Bendigo Cup winner on the quick back-up from Wednesday. Dropped right out of this race last year when starting $51 in the market. Lacks the depth of form for mine and one we’re happy to let punters on.

23. KALAPOUR
Rising seven-year-old who claimed this year’s Archer on Derby Day with a vintage front running ride from Damien Oliver. Deadset stayer but very one-paced and I think lacking the brilliance to win a Melbourne Cup.

24. TRUE MARVEL
Ran 2nd in this year’s Sydney Cup and looked the winner only to be run down late by Explosive Jack. Struggled this Spring being beaten a combined 18 lengths in his past two starts. Out of form.

Melbourne Cup Best Bets

1. WITHOUT A FIGHT
2. SOULCOMBE
3. LASTOTCHKA
4. BREAKUP

FLEMINGTON Race 1 – 1. BRAVE MEAD  Good money for other runners here but I think the Maher/Eustace runner comes in with the best form and right stage of prep. Suited out to the mile now and should get a good spot on the map.

FLEMINGTON Race 4 – 2. CHAIN OF LIGHTNING – Liked the way she found the line first up behind the flying Asfoora. Think second up 1200m looks a nice set up and getting good odds to find out at the $7.50.

FLEMINGTON Race 6 – 18. STRETAN ANGEL – Good filly this and she showed her versatility when sitting closer to the speed in the Danehill. Just ripped away from them late there and ran right through the line. A strong tempo 1200m looks like it will suit her down to the ground. Remains to be seen if she’s drawn the right side being next to the grandstand but I think she’s a super each-way bet.

FLEMINGTON Race 8 – 15. AUSBRED FLIRT & 16. MORE SECRETS – Race with 10 chances but happy to be on these two who look over the odds. Ausbred Flirt was chopped out for a run in the Invitation and finished on the heels of a number of the fancies here. Like the quick back up for it. More Secrets hit the line with real intent second up when ridden poorly. Positive jockey change here and can settle closer from the good draw.

ROSEHILL Race 2 – 5. FALL FOR CINDY – On the quick back up from a good run in what will I think prove a good form race. Finds D Lane from a good draw and looks hard to beat.

ROSEHILL Race 7 – 4. PRIVATE EYE – Just think at the better price he represents the value in the race compared to the stablemate. Harder run in the Everest and was still right there in the finish. Think two chances but hoping he can get the better of Think About It.

Fantastic race this year and no shock to see cases made for several runners. I’ve marked Fangirl favourite and think she should be favourite coming off what was a demolition job in the King Charles. Sat handy to a soft speed and just left them standing late, running right through the line to give every indication that 2000m will be no issue. Won at 1850m as a three-year-old on her least preferred surface, clocking best of the day closing sectionals so I’ll trust that she’ll see it out strong. Would have loved her to draw low but it’s not a bad draw where she is at the Valley to wind into the race at the school Makybe Diva style, and there is no doubt she has the best turn of foot in the race. Had a great prep and peaks here 4^th up with Purton in the saddle. Price likely to stand up with the mappers against her and with the world tote in operation, would suggest we play that way.

Away from her, I think the three-year-olds hold great intrigue. Militarize I’ve been on the back of in the Golden Rose and the Caulfield Guineas and I just think the race shape was against last start. Looks primed for 2000m now and if he can take up a position from the draw, I think he’s right in the race. King Colorado likewise. His run in the Guineas was equal too if not better than Militarize and he’s another that looks suited by the step up in trip. Think they need to roll the dice and roll forward from the draw. With early luck in running, $26 seems a massive price and I think you have to have him on side.

The Weight for Age regulars in Mr. Brightside, Alligator Blood and Zaaki will all have admirers. Mr. Brightside ran well in this race last year but if anything, that was a flat run last start for mine. Gets every possible again here from the draw but I can’t have him as a single figure chance. Alligator Blood comes off a stern win in the Might and Power where they flew early and walked to the line. Potential gut buster? Potentially, but hard to pot especially out of this camp which is simply airborne. Again, gets favours on the map but I just see some horses being sharper than him in the finish. Zaaki with an interrupted prep and I’d be shocked if he won.

Romantic Warrior I’ll take a good set against. People want to tell you he’ll bounce out of the Turnbull, but a hard run like that on speed when you’re already an underdone horse is very hard to come back from. Add to that the travel and for me a question mark on the Hong Kong form, I’ll happily let him go around without me and he makes the race. Gold Trip I’ll bet around too despite being airborne. I know he should have finished closer in this last year but 2400-2000 is a negative for mine and that was a brutally run Caulfield Cup. Blinkers added to try and replicate that sharpness but again I think others are more primed in terms of set up. Victoria Road always hard to line up with the market your only real guide. Looks a dour type off what I have seen so will put him in and if he beats me, he beats me. Little hope to My Oberon (despite going really well), Pinstriped and Duais.

VERDICT

Fangirl a good bet for me. Had a fantastic prep and the dominance of her last start win was there for all to see. Looks primed. The three-year-olds the big question mark of the race. I’m making both winners. In what looks a very even Cox Plate, they potentially might have the upside to overturn some of the mainstays. Romantic Warrior hard against.

Good luck punters

SATURDAY SET

MOONEE VALLEY

Race 1 – 3. TAUNTING – Thought you could get your day off to a good start in the first at the Valley. Nice last start rating and platform for this. Drawn to stalk with D Lane aboard. 6/4 plus looks fair.

Race 4 – 7. DIVINE GLORY – Even race this and presents some value at $17. Peaks 4^th up with a positive jockey change and just sits in behind them from the low draw. Each-way.

Race 10 – 10. SCHWARZ – Looked very smart on debut at Gosford despite not lighting up the clock. Meets a field largely out of form here and gets map favours with McDonald going aboard.

RANDWICK

Race 3 – 16. SHARP SHOCK – Lightly raced galloper who’s come back in good order this preparation. Suited out to 1200m and with rain around in Sydney that will enhance his chances. Can be on at the price.

Race 4 – 8. SEQUESTERED – Flying with two wins on the trot over potentially unsuitable trips. To the mile to her advantage and can see her maintaining the picket fence with a perfect run from the draw.

Race 7 – 12. TUTTA LA VITA & PORT LOCKROY – Tom Kitten the one to beat but does look short and maybe the Gloaming isn’t the form? Tutta La Vita comes through a strong run in the Flight where she kept finding the line. Trialed well since. Port Lockroy was every bit as good as some in the market here in the Dulcify. Confidence boosting win in the midweeks since and ever improving.

Race 8 – ROOTS & DALCHINI – Loved Roots return savaging the line despite little luck in the straight. Hopefully settles closer and will be in the finish. Dalchini tries hard every start. Look for her blousing late and easy to be on her at $51.

Flemington Racecourse – 7th November 2023

With Cox Plate Day upon us, it means there is little over ten days till the race that stops the nation, the Melbourne Cup. The grueling 3200m test run on the first Tuesday of November promises to be another intriguing contest in 2023, with the international raiders back to take on our home-grown stayers. We take a look at the key chances this year leading up to the race and any early market movers with BlueBet.

VAUBAN (Best $11 – Currently $4.50)

The Willie Mullins trained Vauban currently holds favoritism for this year’s Melbourne Cup. The five-year-old Irish gelding has raced the majority of his career as a hurdler, scoring at Group 1 level over the jumps before a scintillating win at this year’s Royal Ascot carnival on the flat. He then went to the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes over the Mile and a half and again won in fine style. Fits the profile of lightly raced Europeans who have had success in the race in recent times. We offered a best price of $11 at BlueBet post his Royal Ascot win and he’s been steadily backed since then. Went $6 when confirmed and now $4.50. Our worst way at BlueBet and the benchmark in the mind of the punters in this year’s race.

GOLD TRIP (Best $15 – Currently $5)

Last year’s winner continues to race in fantastic form with a scintillating win in this year’s Turnbull Stakes before a brave third in the Caufield Cup when jumping favourite. Been solid in betting all the way through having opened $15 and now sitting on the second line at $5 as the best hope of the locally trained runners. Lines up in the Cox Plate this weekend so we’ll know more after Saturday but looks right on track again for the two miles. Will have to carry the weight again but he did so as top weight last year, so must be right in the race.

WITHOUT A FIGHT (Best $15 – Currently $7)

Caulfield Cup winner who’s been fantastic in two runs back this prep for the Freedman camp. Came out for this race last year when starting a solid $11. Was caught wide for much of the early part and dropped right out in the straight. Certainly, recaptured his form in the Winter in Qld and looks a live Cup hope this year. Question marks on him at the two miles remain but he’s been solidly supported since the Caulfield Cup triumph and currently sites on the third line at $7.

SOULCOMBE (Best $26 – Currently $8.50)

Installed an early Cup favourite after bursting onto the scene in Cup week last year winning the Group 3 Queen’s Cup in good style. Got back out to $26 after an indifferent preparation in the Autumn when failing to threaten in Sydney before a better run in the Roy Higgins. Fantastic first up this time in and then subsequently very good in the Turnbull and Caulfield Cup, giving them a big start after missing the jump. Looks right on track for a Melbourne Cup and back to Flemington is a serious tick for him.

Other Notable Cup Movers

• LASTOCHKA $51-$17

• ASHRUN $101-$34

• AMADE $201-$51