After the usual lead-up carnage of several horses being withdrawn, mostly due to failed vet checks, the Melbourne Cup is upon us for another year.
The track is likely to be rated a Good 4, with no rain expected to fall on Monday or Tuesday.
The rail will be in the true position.
Check out our predicted speed map, the case for and against every runner, our top four tips and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 Melbourne Cup.
There isn’t a lot of early speed engaged here, at least on paper. Just Fine should work across to lead and will probably be followed across by Fancy Man and Positivity.
Zardozi and Absurde should land in the first 10 from barriers four and seven respectively. Okita Soushi maps to land around midfield with cover from gate 10, while 스포츠토토사이트 Vauban should be within striking distance of the on-pacers. Jockey Joao Moreira has little choice but to drift back on Buckaroo from barrier 21.
Vauban failed to live up to the hype in last year’s Melbourne Cup, finishing down the track as favourite. He has bounced back to form this season, finishing 2nd to Kyprios in the G1 Irish St Leger (2816m) at the Curragh on September 15.
He should take great benefit from his experience out here last spring. His recent form is strong, winning over two miles before finishing 2nd to the world-class Kyprios at Group 1 level.
He finished 14th, beaten 13.4L, when a $5.50 chance in this race last year. He goes up 0.5kg and is once again first-up in Australia.
Buckaroo took time to find his feet in Australia but his form this preparation has been outstanding. He only just missed behind brilliant Cox Plate (2040m) winner Via Sistina in the G1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m), before producing the run of the race in the Caulfield Cup (2400m) from a hopeless position.