The entries for the Caulfield Cup, Melbourne Cup and WS Cox Plate have been finalized and here we go again. There are 49 international entries from 30 international trainers spanning seven countries which has all three racing clubs over the moon but for us punters the usual "we don't know them" problem exists. Locally Mr Melbourne Cup Bart Cummings has 12 entries with So You Think and Faint Perfume the obvious leading lights followed by Dariana and Precedence.A few years ago a regular
The entries for the Caulfield Cup, Melbourne Cup and WS Cox Plate have been finalized and here we go again. There are 49 international entries from 30 international trainers spanning seven countries which has all three racing clubs over the moon but for us punters the usual "we don't know them" problem exists. Locally Mr Melbourne Cup Bart Cummings has 12 entries with So You Think and Faint Perfume the obvious leading lights followed by Dariana and Precedence.
A few years ago a regular British correspondent on the "Ausrace" forum, John NB, made it abundantly clear he believed the Japanese would become a major force to be reckoned with in staying races by the mid 2000's. Apparently the Japanese had been buying any European horses with staying blood they could get their hands on and price was not an issue. Their plan was to have top class stayers capable of winning the best staying races with naturally the Japan Cup highest on their wish list. Their performances in Australia have been outstanding with Eye Poppers second in the 2005 Caulfield Cup and the 2006 Delta Blues/Pop Rock quinella in the Melbourne Cup from a handful of Japanese runners.. The equine virus halted further forays to our shores but the shutters are up and all things being equal there may be five Japanese runners in the Melbourne Cup.
It is interesting to note the attack owner Lloyd Williams has mounted this year with eight international buys amongst his 20 nominations. However, there can always be an Australian smokie we have not yet contemplated as a serious Melbourne Cup chance even though we may have had some vague thought this horse could make the next step. Who will it be?
No matter what course we take: the Aussies including New Zealanders , Japanese or Europeans we must also need to consider the issue of price. What is a fair price right now? You can take two courses: one, bet early but at huge odds with massive hope or secondly, bet only on the day and only perspire on one day,
There is no doubt the Melbourne Cup fascinates most Australian punters. These days it is more of a riddle than ever before but if you get it right early the payout can be excellent.