The Melbourne Cup 2009

The first Tuesday in November is upon us again and we shall all be awaiting the race that stops the nation. At 3pm, eyes all over our fine land will be glued to screens in pubs, at work, at home just to watch this $5.6 million race. There is hype surrounding it every year, it grabs the front pages of all the newspapers. Needless to say, to any non-Australians out there, it's a big deal on the Australian Calendar.

This year Bart Cummings, legendary trainer, is chasing his 13th Cup with three of his horses entered in the race, while the youthful trainer of Alcopop, Jake Stephens is set to put his country horse into the history books. However, in New South Wales, our main focus is on the gambling side of the Cup. According to TAB Sportsbet, the people in NSW bet more than anywhere in the country, and why shouldn't be. This year is proving to have so many horses that have the ability to take the big prize.

After scouring the Form Guide for hours this week, I've settled on a few tips for those who like to make their bets close to the 3pm mark (I myself got mine in yesterday afternoon). As the weather is a lovely 20 degrees Celsius in Melbourne today, it's safe to say that Ista Kareem and Fiumicino may find some difficulty reaching their potential. The favourites for the race today are Cummings' Viewed and Alcopop. However, my money is on another of Cummings' entries, Roman Emperor*, and Shocking, regardless of its poor barrier number. Other notable mentions are Leica Ding and Daffodil. My roughie for this race is Warringah, he will definitely have a strong race today. Cummings' third entry, Allez Wonder, cannot go unnoticed though, being ridden by the only female jockey in the race today.

Unfortunately, Changingoftheguard was scratched this morning much to the disdain of his trainer, David Hayes. His jockey Glen Boss, rode Makybe Diva to the history making 3 consecutive victories of the Melbourne Cup.

Hope everyone is enjoying the wonderful atmosphere of excitement and anticipation that this historical and wonderous race brings to our lovely nation. Good luck to all today! Enjoy!

- Splex

*Just heard that Roman Emperor has taken over from Alcopop as the second favourite. See, told you I can pick 'em.

6 comments:

Marc said...

As I live in a city that a Roman Emperor (Constantine) once ruled from, I'd have to back Roman Emperor. Scientific reasoning and form be damned, it's all in the name.

Mahesha said...

Great blog! I see we're thinking along the same lines, I like Warringah as well, its my outside bet.

We shall see just how good you are come 3pm.

Aplexii said...

Thanks, Mahesha! Can't wait the 2 more hours! Might have to admit defeat but considering i've covered nearly half the field, i reckon there's a good chance there :P

Mahesha said...

Ahahaha I was about to say that but then i'd be calling myself a hypocrite seeing i've told 5 different people that 5 different horses will win, at least one person will think im a master tipster.

ACM said...

It's so true. Knowing our luck Harris Tweed will end up winning which will just rock my world!

Unknown said...

I believe Hayes got fined for calling the VJC vets 'Knuckleheads' after changingoftheguard got scratched. A bit precious, can't they take pity on the man after the same thing happened to him a few years ago?

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