Here is our expert runner-by-runner preview of the 2021 Melbourne Cup. Sportsandracing.news provides free picks and tips worldwide.
1 – TWILIGHT PAYMENT
Trainer: Joseph O’Brien Rider: Jye McNeil
Defending champion, hit the lead with a strong pace to defeat a slightly stronger field last time. In top shape after taking out St Leger trial and 2nd in St Leger. Will nonetheless need to bring best yet to account for Incentivise.
2 – INCENTIVISE
Trainer: Peter Moody Rider: Brett Prebble
The one they all have to beat, improved for each rise in trip. Posted a strong time in the Caulfield Cup when obliging favourite backers. Wide draw may work in favour as he seeks to press his very strong claims. Carries a lot of weight but has earned every pound of it. Arguably the one to be on albeit at a short price.
3 – SPANISH MISSION
Trainer: Andrew Balding Rider: Craig Williams
Was narrowly bested by Stradivarius when last sighted, a clear indication of top level staying ability. Fitness checks out and if he brings his absolute best he can challenge.
4 – VERRY ELLEEGANT
Trainer: Chris Waller Rider: James McDonald
Found 7th in 2020 but it was still a strong run with much to like about. She encountered trouble in the run so did well to recover how she did. Completely trip proven she should enjoy the wide draw as she can find space to gallop. Does her best with some cut in the ground but can’t be written off here.
5 – EXPLOSIVE JACK
Trainer: C Maher & D Eustace Rider: John Allen
Completely misfired when last sighted in the Caulfield Cup. Should bounce back somewhat now returning to Flemington and his yard are elite when it comes to training stayers. Not the most obvious contender but there are worse runners out there and isn’t a bad each-way bet for the value punter.
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6 – THE CHOSEN ONE
Trainer: M Baker & A Forsman Rider: Damian Lane
Overdid it in the Caulfield Cup and has since had blinkers shed. Bit too much cut in the ground there that day. Was a very respectable 4th in this last year and Damian Lane must be respected in the plate. Has a lot of work to do but has a nice chance to find the frame.
7 – DELPHI
Trainer: A & D Freedman Rider: Damien Oliver
Second favourite in the Caulfield Cup behind Incentivise after blowing them out of the water in the Herbert Power. Did not live up to expectation at all. Can bounce back from Caulfield here and Damian Oliver retaining the ride must inspire some confidence.
8 – OCEAN BILLY
Trainer: C J Waller Rider: Damien Thornton
Okay in the Caulfield Cup but should relish this trip as he won the Auckland Cup over it. This is a much classier race so he might be in over his head. Does get some credit for staying ability and has some chance at a nice price. Pick of the roughies!
9 – SELINO
Trainer: C J Waller Rider: Ron Stewart
Took out Sydney Cup over this trip and wasn’t a bad performer in the Bart Cummings. Found the wet too much in Caulfield Cup and could bounce back here to bring home some minor money but no good for betting purposes.
10 – JOHNNY GET ANGRY
Trainer: Denis Pagan Rider: Lachlan King
Complete outsider, took out arguably the weakest Victoria Derby in some time 12 months back. Will take insurmountable improvement to find the top ten. Look elsewhere unless you’re a firm believer in a Denis Pagan Hail Mary.
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11 – KNIGHTS ORDER
Trainer: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rider: Daniel Stackhouse
Ordinary performer in the Hotham on Derby Day. Could have a big say in the pace but unlikely to stay long enough to benefit from that fact. Look elsewhere.
12 – PERSAN
Trainer: C Maher & D Eustace Rider: Luke Currie
Very gutsy 5th in this last year and was a pleasing performer in the Caulfield Cup. A fair chance at a nice price. Expect improvement from a good each-way prospect.
13 – CARIF
Trainer: P & P Snowden Rider: Blaike McDougall
Took out Sandown Cup over this trip last year, arguably his best piece of form. Hasn’t done much good since so is unlikely to land any blows. Look elsewhere.
14 – MASTER OF WINE
Trainer: M, W, & J Hawkes Rider: Fred Kersley
Got away slowly in Caulfield Cup and wound up in a bad spot. Slight shame as penultimate outing saw a strong effort in Bart Cummings. Hasn’t won since March 2020 and isn’t likely to change that here.
15 – PONDUS
Trainer: Robert Hickmott Rider: Rachel King
Had strong support in Moonee Valley Cup off the back off a credible effort in Bart Cummings when weakened late after an early and speedy lead. Another serious contender with a bit to like about the price, another good each-way prospect.
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16 – GRAND PROMENADE
Trainer: C Maher & D Eustace Rider: Kerrin McEvoy
Speedy winner of the Bart Cummings, loves the track here and has been preparing for this for quite a while. Progressive stayer with a bright future, carries a light weight and still has an appealing double digit price. If you don’t want to be on Incentivise this is probably your boy.
17 – MIAMI BOUND
Trainer: D T O’Brien Rider: Patrick Moloney
Showed some progression in 5th in Moonee Valley Cup but part of that was ideal conditions in the soft. Not likely to see that here and will probably struggle on the drying track. Don’t bother.
18 – PORT GUILLAUME
Trainer: Ben & J D Hayes Rider: Harry Coffey
Was far back in Caulfield Cup but fired up late. Likely to end up in similar positon but while could crack top 10 is not worth a place bet.
19 – SHE’S IDEEL
Trainer: Bjorn Baker Rider: Craig Newitt
Had a lousy position in Caulfield Cup and lost little in defeat. Was a respectable 4th in Sydney Cup but this trip looks too much. Look elsewhere.
20 – FUTURE SCORE
Trainer: Matthew Cumani Rider: Dean Yendall
Starting to shape up well but is still way outclassed. This trip is a big stretch on his career-best win in the Cranbourne Cup. Fish out of water.
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21 – TRALEE ROSE
Trainer: Symon Wilde Rider: Dean Holland
Respectable performer in Bart Cummings and a close winner in Geelong Cup. Cannot argue with form and is down at the weights which is nice. She’s heading into her peak run and could fire up just enough to find the frame. Another strong each-way chance.
22 – FLOATING ARTIST
Trainer: C Maher & D Eustace Rider: Teodore Nugent
Improver who stays well and was most unfortunate to be denied last time out. He has strong scope for improvement while this is a tough task he has every chance. Stronger prospect than his price and would not be winning out of turn with worse horses at shorter prices in this field.
23 – GREAT HOUSE
Trainer: C J Waller Rider: Michael Dee
In fine form of late after winning the Hotham on Saturday. Outran odds in the Caulfield Cup and has very strong place claims. Good bet.
24 – SIR LUCAN
Trainer: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rider: Glen Boss
Lightly raced sort who carries no weight and the champion Glen Boss. Hard to look past those facts. Has a bright future and while he’ll have to sharpen up here he may well do so. Do not underestimate him!
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This is the full field of the 2021 Melbourne Cup at Flemington. Good luck with your bets! Sportsandracing.news provides free racing picks worldwide.
