Attention turns to Flemington on Tuesday as 24 horses go to post for a sensationally competitive renewal of ‘the race that stops a nation’ – the 2011 Melbourne Cup.
The race remains one of the most lucrative and prestigious contests on the racing calendar and racing fanatics from all over the world will be using their free
Sportsbet.com.au bets before they tune in to watch the action unfold Down Under.
This year’s race has a real international flavour about it and with eleven of the twenty-four runners going to post hailing from overseas, Australia’s leading contenders will have to be at their very best if they are going to keep ‘the Loving Cup’ on home turf.
Leading the raiding party will be last year’s Melbourne Cup hero
Americain (5.00,
Luxbet) who will be looking to make it back-to-back victories in Australia’s prized racing jewel.
Alain de Royer-Dupre’s stable star was a mightily impressive winner of the race twelve months ago and he warmed up to defend his crown with a smooth success in the Moonee Valley Cup two weeks ago. He has every right to be favourite for Tuesday’s Group One showpiece but it will not be easy running under 58kg and he would be only the third horse that has successfully carried 58kg or more to Melbourne Cup glory in the last 40 years.
That must be a huge worry for his fans and it isn’t hard to see why fellow French raider
Dunaden (8.50,
Luxbet) has attracted so much attention. His victory in the Geelong Cup (a race Americain won on his way to glory last year) will have him spot on for this and Mikel Delzangles’ charge could be a tough nut to crack if he arrives at Flemington in the same form.
However, it could be another European superstar that proves the pick of the fantastic field and German import
LUCAS CRANACH (13.00,
Sportsbet.com.au) looks a fascinating contender in the race.
Now trainer by Anthony Freedman, Lucas Cranach brings some top class European form to the table and his Australian owners were quick to snap him up after his fifth placed finish behind eventual runaway Arc heroine Danedream.
That performance came in Group One company and the form line is one to take very seriously after the exploits of the winner at Longchamp. Lucas Cranach warmed up for the Melbourne Cup with a tilt at the Caulfield Cup after experiencing some foot issues in the build up to the race. Despite the setback, the four-year-old ran with great credit, staying on well without ever quite looking like he would win the Caulfield Group One. Despite finishing out of the places, it was a highly encouraging performance and reports are that he has been working the house down ever since.
Flemington racecourse and the 3200m trip are sure to suit him and he is a Group Two winner bringing top class form to the table. He is a truly fascinating contender and can make it a fantastic season for German race fans.
Nick Wilby’s Melbourne Cup tips:
3.00pm Flemington (04.00am BST)
