The American owner of likely spring raider Brigantin is upbeat about the stayer's prospects of a major Cup win. Former journalist Barry Irwin says Brigantin has superior form to star stayers Dunaden, Americain and Manighar. He says: 'He beat Dunaden, he has beaten Americain numerous times - and that horse Manighar has never finished in front of our horse.' Brigantin has firmed from $101 to $41 in the past week to win the Melbourne Cup. On Monday morning, Betstar had him at $26. Irwin, who won th

The American owner of likely spring raider Brigantin is upbeat about the stayer's prospects of a major Cup win. Former journalist Barry Irwin says Brigantin has superior form to star stayers Dunaden, Americain and Manighar. He says: 'He beat Dunaden, he has beaten Americain numerous times - and that horse Manighar has never finished in front of our horse.' Brigantin has firmed from $101 to $41 in the past week to win the Melbourne Cup. On Monday morning, Betstar had him at $26. Irwin, who won the Kentucky Derby in 2011 with Animal Kingdom, is thrilled at being able to have a crack at winning the Melbourne Cup. It's a race he has admired and followed for decades. Brigantin is expected to arrive in Australia with other horses from Europe in mid-September and will run in the Caulfield Cup before the Melbourne Cup.

MELBOURNE CUP MARKET

Mount Athos (GB) 15.00
Red Cadeaux (GB) 17.00
Dunaden (FR) 21.00
Tac De Boistron 21.00
Americain (FR) 26.00
Brigantin (FR) 26.00
Green Moon 26.00
Manighar 26.00
Quest For Peace (GB) 26.00
December Draw 34.00
Ethiopia 34.00
Ibicenco (GB) 34.00
Jakkalberry (GB) 34.00
Joshua Tree (GB) 34.00
Mawingo 34.00
Polish Knight 34.00
Sanagas 34.00
Sea Moon (GB) 34.00
Tenenbaum (UAE) 34.00

**www.betstar.com.au

NZ Oaks winner (Miss) Artistic will arrive in Melbourne next week as the support act for highly rated stablemate Zurella. Miss Artistic pleased trainer Shaune Ritchie with her effort to finish third in a 1020m Doomben barrier trial last Tuesday, her first serious hit-out since she finished tenth to Quintessential in the Grp 1 Queensland Oaks (2400m) at Eagle Farm on June 2.