Sal’s Racing Preview: The Melbourne Cup – Is it one for the Girls?

Huge effort in the Caulfield Cup and a very solid run in the Cox Plate. Was the best horse in the race for the Caulfield Cup and nutted by a lightweight, not without a chance but supect weight will be the telling factor giving 2kg to the field.

Much better effort in the Caulfield Cup. Has the class and profile to win this but need to take on trust that the previous run has her primed.

Sterling effort to hold on for third in the Caulfield, but doubt (and hope) he does not get the same favours in the lead here. If he does he is proven at the journey and might hang on, surely in such a big race there will be more pressure.

A repeat of her effort in the Caulfield Cup has her ready for the big one. Like Duais has the class and profile, the wetter the better, but again need to take on trust.

A handy run in the Caulfield Cup not sure he saw the whole trip out so the extra 800m must be a question.

Reasonable form in the UK in small fields and has never seen more than 15 at the starting gate. No doubt can stay but reckon others will stay faster. Barrier no help.

Did not pick up at all in soft going for the Irish St Leger. Curragh Cup win had merit so not without a chance, does he need a firm surface?

Inexperienced but with an impressive record only once finishing out of the top 2. Very strong win last start in the Grand Voltiger gets weight relief also here. Carries more than Cross Counter when he beat the handicapper, but doubt that this renewal is as strong. The one to beat.

Won the Sydney St Leger, is that form is good enough for this. Ran 2000m in Sydney on Saturday without that option at Flemington any longer and put in a good trial. If Noah starts gathering the species he will relish the conditions and be a threat.

The extra 800m is not a problem for the previous winner, but can he run it fast enough? Not much has gone right in the lead ups but he has run well in them. Reckon he can run it fast enough but needs a solid tempo and does not need to be four wide the trip again, the barrier draw give him a great chance.

A talented stayer that looked a cup horse in the making as a 3yo, but still with only one win on the board. The wizardry of D O’Brien gives him some chance, some question on wet ground however the Tavistock breeding suggests he should be able to cope.

Form prior to last start looked good and was all around the favourite, so makes him a fair betting proposition at the relative prices. However last start in the English St Leger was poor, not sure he saw the trip out and there is an extra 200m here.

Might have won the Epsom Derby but has not done much here and now runs two stone lighter. Got in with 2nd in the Hotham Hcp on Saturday but did not beat much in the process. His inclusion should make this a truly run race and better for his presence but not a winning chance.

Adelaide cup winner so no query on the distance but recent form looks pretty plain.

Another where the distance won’t be the issue but others will be better – every drop of rain further diminishes his chances

Consistent form and around the mark in lesser grade, needs it soft and is well weighted. Doubt he has the class.

The Geelong Cup has produced winners in the past but they were well credentialled internationals, not sure this year’s renewal had as much depth hence the small penalty. At least it got him into the field and a chance, those also reduce with any precipitation.

Got the ticket by winning the Bart and usually a good sign for this race and then a terrific performance in the Moonee Valley Cup running second to Francesco Guardi. Francesco would be challenging for favouritism if he was in here. By a former winner in Fiorente she is bred to run the trip and in good form.

Ran as favourite in the Caulfield Cup, was not a bad run fell a bit short. A lightweight hope but will need to get a gun ride, no issue if the rain comes.

Had a tough campaign in 2021 just to get into the race, much quieter preparation this year all focussed on this race. Well weighted compared to the other mares in the race and the Dean Yendall interview would be priceless, just not sure she has the class.

Bendigo Cup winning form is not usually Melbourne Cup winning form, however she has a light weight, good barrier and is a mudder. Does she have the class?

Should be renamed Enigma! Much spruiked a few months ago but form in lesser races has been adequate at best. Maher-Eustace have persisted and he is thrown in at the weights, needs everything to go right but not the worst at a price.

Things have fallen into place for this girl. Didn’t need to run Saturday so fresh and ready for this has great wet track form on the minimum weight. A great chance and my top selection.