Melbourne Cup Tips & Runner-by-Runner Preview
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Melbourne Cup Tips & Runner-by-Runner Preview
It's the biggest race in Australia and one of the biggest races in the world. The Melbourne Cup is back and we have a runner-by-runner preview.
Incentivise has attracted plenty of attention with bookmakers, but can the local charge hold off the international raiders?
We look at the form of every runner in the Melbourne Cup, which runs at 3:00 pm local time on Tuesday.
Twilight Payment
Last year's winner goes up in the weights and it will be much harder to win. He's still a quality type, but a place chance seems his best result.
Incentivise
The boom runner of the field after an impressive year. His win in the Caulfield Cup was an excellent sign, and despite the drifting odds, he could be the best horse in the 2021 Melbourne Cup.
Spanish Mission
He can race a little flat at times and he failed a vet check last week, but he is classy. Drifting odds are a concern, so watch betting markets.
Verry Elleegant
She got too far back in the Cox Plate before hitting the line nicely. Her run last year was good in defeat, and James McDonald is confident. We wouldn't be leaving her out.
Explosive Jack
A former Derby winner who hasn't come of age this season. Distance suits, but he would need to improve.
The Chosen One
The Kiwi runner is always around the mark in the big race. Lovely effort last year, and there is no suggestion that he hasn't improved since.
Delphi
He couldn't have been more disappointing in the Caulfield Cup. He had a soft enough lead but went backwards in the straight. Tough to recommend after that effort.
Ocean Billy
Ocean Billy is a Kiwi runner who qualified for the Melbourne Cup via his Auckland Cup win. He's dour, and we don't think he'll be threatening them.
Selino
His odds are drifting and that's hardly surprising. Not running well and drawing barrier 24 won't help his chances.
Johnny Get Angry
Another former Derby winner who has been awful since. Struggling to beat runners home this season, and we can see that continuing.
Knights Order
Comes off a disappointing run last Saturday. He will likely try to lead the field throughout, but come unstuck down the long Flemington straight.
Persan
He finished close last year and he could do the same again. He has been overlooked this season, but with 53kg on his back, he can't leave him out at generous odds.
Carif
He's not running well enough for our liking. His form has been inconsistent and he's not a proven winner against this company.
Master of Wine
We prefer to see him going the Sydney way around. He is another runner who is struggling to produce the goods this year.
Pondus
There was plenty of betting support last start but he couldn't come up with the goods. Not the worst runner off the inside draw, so keep him safe.
Grand Promenade
His form bodes well and he puts himself into the race. He is likely to push forward from the wide draw and be right in the mix.
Miami Bound
The former Oaks winner needs rain and a lot of it. That's unlikely to materialise, so she doesn't enter our calculations.
Port Guillaume
The form doesn't read well and we're surprised he's in the field. He's not an impressive type at all.
She's Ideel
She should appreciate the distance and the current odds could be worth a nibble. She will get back and look to pick a path late.
Future Score
Struggling to show his best form and that shouldn't change here. Big odds available.
Tralee Rose
Her win in the Geelong Cup was a tough effort, and Geelong form often stacks up nicely for the Melbourne Cup. Punters have come for her throughout the week, so she should be good enough to go close.
Floating Artist
Not everything went his way last start and he is tough enough to stick with them. Gets in with a light weight and he is another runner being backed.
Great House
That was an easy win last Saturday at Flemington, and although McDonald hops off to ride Verry Elleegant, punters shouldn't be deterred.
Sir Lucan
Carries only 50kg, but we don't think his form shapes up well enough.
Verdict
We're going with Incentivise to win the 2021 Melbourne Cup. His form has been terrific this season, and there is no reason to jump off his back.
We wouldn't be leaving out Tralee Rose and Great House, after top last-start wins. They are paying value odds, as is Persan, who should enter calculations.
Incentivise
Melbourne Cup Winner
@9/5 - 5 Units
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