Have we just seen next year’s Melbourne Cup winner? Gai Waterhouse horse sends ominous message
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A guide to the $3 million Melbourne Cup in 2022, which will be run over 3200 meters at the famous Flemington Racecourse.
Order of entry – horse – barrier – weight – odds – jockey
1: Golden Journey (14) – 57.5 kg – $15 – Mark Zahra
Finished second in the Caulfield Cup, likes wet soil. In the mix but totally unknown at this distance.
2: Duais (10) – 55.5 kg – $26 – Hugh Bowman
Has been in bad shape this spring. Can she recapture the highlights of her fall campaign and win the Australian Cup and Tancred Stakes? Unsure.
3: Knighthood (23) – 55.5 kg – $17 – Tim Clark
Horror show in last year’s Melbourne Cup and not delivering its best on this track. Likes to stick out of the ground and is in better shape this time.
4: Montefilia (11) – 55.5kg – $11 – Jason Collett
Built up well for this race and delivered a standout run in the Caulfield Cup. Can win.
Montefilia, pictured winning the Ranvet Stakes in March, was in good form for the Melbourne Cup
5: Numerian (7) – 55.5 kg – $61 – Tommy Berry
From Annabel Neasham’s stable, but don’t think the gelding will make the 3200m journey here. Pass.
6: Non-Combat (18) – 55.5 kg – $11 – William Buick
Tough stayer who will not be happy with the barrier. Always in and will grind the distance but just need to find a run. In the.
7: Camorra (17) – 55kg – $51 – Ben Melham
Was absolutely shocking last start in Group 1 over 2816m in Ireland. Wish the spur leg was dry, and it won’t be. No thank you.
8: Deauville Legend (9) – 55kg – $3.40 – Kerrin McEvoy
The lightly played gelding is absolutely flying and now stands almost invincible. McEvoy has won this race three times and is gearing up for his fourth.
9: Stockman (2) – 54 kg – $31 – Sam Clipperton
Can sneak into a place, provided it is not shuffled back too early. Has flippers, which will help, but seems to be outclassed.
10: Vow and Declaration (4) – 54 kg – $26 – Blake Shinn
The 2019 winner is again a few years older, but after a flat shape, this peaks very nicely.
11: Young Werther (20) – 54kg – $34 – Damian Lane
Keeps finding ways to lose despite obvious class. Maybe secretly in the top five, but can’t imagine him winning.
Deauville Legend heavily backed to win Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup
12: Hoo Ya Mal (15) – 53.5kg – $15 – Craig Williams
Won’t appreciate the wet conditions and was absolutely crushed on the last start in England. Can win, but lacks confidence.
13: Serpentine (22) – 53.5 kg – $71 – John Allen
Lloyd Williams’ lone runner in the race, the gelding may be looking for the lead, but he won’t be the first past the post. No chance.
14: Daqiansweet Junior (13) – 53 kg – $51 – Daniel Moor
Has next to nothing for him here apart from the weight. Would not invest.
15: Grand Promenade (1) – 53 kg – $81 – Harry Coffey
Was bad in last year’s cup and hasn’t gotten better since. I’d be surprised if he comes near them.
16: Arapaho (19) – 52.5kg – $81 – Rachel King
Great odds, but don’t mind the generous price. Every year there is a surprise and imagine that he will enjoy the soft ground. Place?
17: Envoy (3) – 51.5 kg – $34 – Pat Maloney
Earned his entry with a surprise Geelong Cup win and lose 4.5kg from that race. Wouldn’t shock.
19: Smoking Romans (16) – 51.5 kg – $16 – Jamie Kah
Definitely flying this spring and getting the services of one of the best jockeys in the country. Comes in the finish for a great price.
Champion jockey Jamie Kah will ride Smokin’ Romans, and both horse and rider are in sizzling form
20: Tralee Rose (21) – 51.5kg – $71 – Dean Yendall
9th in last year’s cup, but has since struggled with injuries. Is in better shape than that run and is pleasing to the eye. Wouldn’t shock.
22: High Emocean (8) – 50kg – $51 – Teo Nugent
Cracking ride won her the Bendigo Cup, but she seems to be outclassed in this area. Place.
23: Interpretation (6) – 50 kg – $41 – Craig Newitt
Lots of hype when he arrived in Australia but so far he has disappointed. Nice weight and can handle the distance but was the ordinary last start.
24: Realm of Flowers (5) – 50kg – $10 – Damian Thornton
Lightly raced lately, and has proven itself on this track and distance. With this weight, the gritty stayer will definitely be in this one.
All odds from TAB.com.au and correct as of October 31 at noon.