The famous two miles of the Melbourne Cup is dominated by Europeans again, or is it? Plenty of early speed in the race from grinding types should make sure it's a FAIR to STRONG tempo, some moves likely before the home turn in what will be an energy-sapping contest. The first thing you note when looking through the European form is how they seem to be taking turns to beat each-other; CROSS COUNTER (last year's winner), MASTER OF REALITY (should love 3200m), SOUTHERN FRANCE (talented, but not reliable), LATROBE and TWILIGHT PAYMENT all with similar recent form. In a deep race, the European 3YOs CONSTANTINOPLE (unlucky in Caulfied Cup) and IL PARADISO have to be respected. The Aussie hope VOW AND DECLARE very strong in the Caulfield Cup and should lap up the 3200m. MER DE GLACE, RAYMOND TUSK, ROSTROPOVICH, HUNTING HORN, DOWNDRAFT, SURPRISE BABY and MAGIC WAND (3200m on soft a risk?) all in the mix too. [updated Tuesday 8:30am]
Quick Tips
Analyst: Vow And Declare
Horse Expert: Constantinople
Bookie Battler: Master Of Reality
Gear Changes
- 3. Master Of Reality: Gelded
- 4. Mirage Dancer: Tongue Tie FIRST TIME
- 5. Southern France: Cross-over Nose Band FIRST TIME
- 7. Latrobe: Cross-over Nose Band FIRST TIME, Tongue Tie FIRST TIME
- 9. Rostropovich: Cross-over Nose Band AGAIN, Norton Bit OFF FIRST TIME, Standard Bit AGAIN, Tongue Tie AGAIN
- 10. Twilight Payment: Gelded, Tongue Tie FIRST TIME
- 13. Raymond Tusk: Cheekers FIRST TIME, Synthetic Hoof Filler FIRST TIME
- 15. Magic Wand: Winkers OFF FIRST TIME
- 17. Sound: Ear Muffs OFF FIRST TIME, Ear Muffs (Pre-Race Only) AGAIN
- 20. Il Paradiso: Blinkers FIRST TIME, Cross-over Nose Band OFF FIRST TIME, Winkers OFF FIRST TIME
- 22. The Chosen One: Blinkers OFF FIRST TIME