Irish-born superstar racehorse charges into early Melbourne Cup favouritism after QLD win
Irish-born superstar racehorse lands early Melbourne Cup favorites after stunning win in Queensland
- His burst at Eagle Farm to win was astonishing
- His Aussie trainer has a successful Melbourne Cup pedigree
- He is also a favorite for the Cox Plate
Some people probably suspect it’s a little too early for Gr 1 Melbourne Cup betting, but on Saturday at Queensland’s Eagle Farm Racecourse, bookies saw enough talent to install a new favourite.
The 3,200-meter race that brings a nation to a halt will be held in Flemington on November 7 and is worth $8 million this year.
And after a big Eagle Farm race on Saturday, Irish stayer Without A Fight, who did his early races in England and has now won two of three races here in Australia, has got the bookies excited.
Saturday’s race was the Q22 Stakes over 2200 meters and was worth $1.2 million.
He came into the corner from 11th with such a powerful burst of speed that he swallowed up a tremendous field and raced away to win by two lengths ahead of Group 1 Caulfield Cup place-getter Nonconformist and Australian Cup winner Duais.
New Australian race star Without A Fight (pictured) stormed into early Melbourne Cup favoritism on Saturday after winning brilliantly at Eagle Farm
Champion rider Mark Zahra lifts the 2022 Melbourne Cup he won on Gold Trip and is now eyeing a second cup win as regular rider of rising star Without A Fight
The win caused all the bookies to react and he is now the $12 equal Cup favorite.
We’re looking at a star. He’s a real star, Without A Fight. What a brilliant win,” said course commentator Josh Fleming.
And his words were echoed by legendary color race commentator and professional punter Ron Duffycy.
“I don’t know exactly what we’re looking at, but he’s very special.”
Without A Fight came to Australia last September after an 18-start career in England where he reached Group 2 level.
He ran in the Melbourne Cup last year but only finished 13th.
Saturday’s Without A Fight in Brisbane is a very different and much, much more mature galloper.
He is trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman. Anthony was with his brother Lee when they won the Melbourne Cup a year ago with the champion Makybe Diva.
As well as storming early equal Melbourne Cup favouritism, Without A Fight has solidified into favoritism for the richest WFA race, the $7 million Cox Plate, and is 2nd favorite for the Gr 1 Caulfield Cup – both October races.
Outstanding Victorian rider Mark Zahra who piloted Gold Trip to victory in the Melbourne Cup last year was featured on Without A Fight on Saturday.