Oceanographer has been the biggest firmer to notch a win for the foreign raiders in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup at Flemington.
Starting the day at $21, his strong win in the Lexus saw TAB slash his odds into as low as $5. Drawing barrier 11, he is now a $5.50 second pick.
Hartnell, the long-time favourite, is $4.60 out to $5 after coming up with gate 12 but still heads the market.
Global racing giant Godolphin have their best chance yet to take out the Cup with five runners in the race as they own both Hartnell and Oceanographer while they also have Qewy ($31), Secret Number ($35) and Beautiful Romance ($35). Godolphin has trained three Melbourne Cup placegetters.
Of the others in the market, Jameka ($7.50-$7) firmed up slightly after coming up with the ideal alley of gate three.
“Hartnell is still the favourite and in terms of money held is clearly the best supported heading into the big race,” says TAB’s Glenn Munsie.
“We opened it at $26 and when you look at some of the prices the others opened at you would definitely be sitting pretty if you secured those odds.
“Oceanographer, for instance, was still $101 after the Geelong Cup when it ran third to Qewy while that particular horse was $51 prior to winning at Geelong.
“The Lexus winner (Oceanographer) was an eye-catching winner today and his two runs in Australia have proved that he is a genuine live chance in the Melbourne Cup.”
In other betting news:
· Bondi Beach has continued to firm after coming up with gate five. It was $11 before the draw and is now into $10
· Almandin attracted a big bet pre-draw of $5,000 x $1,000 e/w @ $14/$4.25
· Wicklow Brave, as low as $15, is now $21 after drawing barrier 24
· Heartbreak City touched $151 at one point – is now $15
· Qewy attracted a bet of $4,000 @ $51 prior to winning the Geelong Cup