The “race that stops a nation” is the Melbourne Cup which will be contested this November. (Photo credit: Flemington Racecourse).
The Melbourne Cup is not until November, but for one of the most significant events in the global horse racing calendar, the backstage action never stops, and there is always a lot to unpack. The major moves and details to watch out for always go down way before race day, including some fantastic Melbourne Cup betting offers that you cannot afford to miss.
We open with some exciting news about one of the previous favourites for the Cup, Port Guillaume, who is set to make a return this year. Last year was a bittersweet one for the young horse, who showed great potential in France and was high up there in consideration but would ultimately have to miss the remainder of the season after failing a bone scan during the Caulfield Cup.
Revealing a bone bruise, the scan put an end to any hopes of making any appearance Down Under and was ultimately sent to the spelling paddock and gelded. Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig, the horse trainers, had to make a tough decision, but one which Hayes feels was ultimately beneficial. Still the trainer of last year’s French Group 2 winner, Hayes and his brother JD, are in good spirits about Port Guillaume and believe he can be a force in this year’s Cup. After a good return at Euroa, the plan is to have the five-year-old race at a 1600m event and gauge his form.
FInance Tycoon will be another name to watch out for. The just-turned three-year-old had a great 2020 season and will be an exciting prospect to look out for. His first outing will be at the Coolmore Stakes in Flemington this upcoming October.
The next big piece of news around the Cup involves favourite and the highly-anticipated, Incentivise. The rising star of Australian racing is the favourite for both the Caufield and Melbourne Cup, at $7 and $11, respectively. However, Covid-19 is once again having a say on the potential outcome of big events, as logistics for the horse is becoming more complex.
The problem is that any trainer, groomer, or person involved in the transportation of the Toowoomba phenom will have to be isolated per Racing Victoria rules. The prospect of getting isolated is not something anyone is looking forward to with a happy mind. Nevertheless, incentivise is expected in Victoria soon enough to prepare for the Underwood Stakes, a 1800m-run in September.
Three top horses for the Cup looking to kick off their season and mark their territory, but each facing a different path to it.
