2006 November | Australia Melbourne Cup 2008 and Racing News

Fortunes are won and lost in the time that it takes to run the most famous two miles in Australasia. Punters are always happy to back their judgment and 2006 is no different. The well documented plunge on the overseas raider Yeats hangs ominously over the heads of the big betting bookies. Yeats has been $13 to $5.50 and according to all reports has not done a thing wrong since his arrival in Australia. The Coolmore juggernaut know how to win the big races. Efficient was blistering in the Derby on Saturday and has already met with support to win the Cup. One wager of $130,000 at $9 was struck on Sunday causing Sportingbet to slash the price to $7. Maybe Better was impressive on Saturday when critics said he wouldn’t get the 2500m of the SAAB Quality. It’s a great eachway hope. Then our attention turns to the favourite - Tawqeet. This horse was victor of both the Metropolitan and The Caulfield Cup and has hit the line like 3200m will suit. As the only Australian based runner with consistent winning form, bookies are expecting a late influx of peoples hard earned money.

Derby Day at Flemington has long been considered Australia’s premier race meeting with all races at Group level. By the end of the day, punters can begin making their mind up as this is the last opportunity to expose real form before the Melbourne Cup
run this Tuesday.

The best 3yo colts will be lining up to contest the historical VRC Derby. Most punters believe it’s all but a one horse race with Efficient dominating the betting. He was ultra impressive at the Valley on Saturday, defeating many of his rivals here in the Derby. Teranaba will probably lead or will sit close to the pace and is not without a show. The main danger to the favourite looks to be the Norman Robinson winner, Get Square. He was ridden in front last time out and found a lot under pressure. It’s doubtful he’ll be as close to the lead this time out but will finish very hard. The Kiwi, The One, is also in with an each way chance.

The Melbourne Cup carnival at Flemington kicks off on Saturday 10 black type races including five Group 1 events. The undoubted highlight will be the $1.5 million AAMI Victorian Derby where last week’s impressive AAMI Vase winner Efficient is the warm favourite despite drawing barrier nine in the 16-horse field.

A capacity field of 16 will contest the $500,000 Seppelt Salinger Stakes with the betting to centre around Fast ‘N Famous, Miss Andretti and Natural Destiny.

Caulfield Guineas winner Wonderful World looks the best bet of the day when he steps out in the $500,000 Group 1 Ascot Vale Stakes 1200m while Cox Plate runner-up El Segundo headlines a 15-horse field in the $750,000 Group 1 Motorola Mackinnon Stakes 2000m.