Melbourne Cup: The Key Factor

Published: 02 Nov 2015

On the way up - Preferment parading as a young three-year-old at Geelong

Finding the winner of the Melbourne Cup isn't easy. Whether you're an experienced racing analyst, or a novice, it's all about finding the right piece of info and making a smart bet.

Each galloper's form is a factor, along with how they will handle the conditions on the day, but there is a stat that often misses punter's as they flick through the Guide.

To win Australia's best race you want a horse on the rise, often referred to as 'scope' by horse racing folk.

Scope: The ability of a horse to improve on previous runs to reach their peak 

The Race Guide's Analyst team identifies the Top 5 horses that can progress to a career best run today in the big one.

The Melbourne Cup Top 5: Scope

1. PREFERMENT

A long and balanced 4yo bay Entire 

Waller takes his time with his gallopers and this progressive four-year-old has been guided carefully through to today. He has stamina in his blood-lines, bred from the mighty Zabeel, and could be a fixture in the Melbourne Cup for years to come.

Hard to hold out - Preferment has shown all the ingredients of a champion stayer

2. BONDI BEACH 

A light, lean and tough bay 3yo

A horse with only five starts that has made massive leaps already. The sky is still the limit for a very tough young stayer.

Genuine staying type - Bondi Beach is a very classy galloper with a big future

3. GUST OF WIND

A solid staying 4yo bay Mare

The Group One winner has only had a handful of starts. It's hard to say she couldn't improve again from the Caulfield Cup and find her best over two miles.

Strong final surge - Gust of Wind could sneak under the radar at good odds

4. FAME GAME 

A muscular bay or brown 5yo Entire

Has already reached the heights of Group One Japanese staying races, but could have saved his best for The Cup.

Dynamic type - Fame Game is well-built and gives his all every race

5. SKY HUNTER

An elegant and athletic 5yo Gelding

Really has hit his straps, winning frequently before a brave 2nd last start. A horse with a bit of 'X Factor' about him from the world's largest horse racing operation.

Don't dismiss him - Sky Hunter is an improving horse ready for two miles