Melbourne Cup Day launches with the two-year-olds in the Maribyrnong Plate, and I’m keen on the Godolphin colt, Admitted.
Admitted has made just one appearance at the races so far, but proved far too good for his rivals at Bendigo on that occasion.
With natural improvement, he can continue his rise through the grades.
Barber steps out on Melbourne Cup Day third-up and ready to strike.
The Exceed And Excel colt debuted to racing for three-consecutive wins, including the Blue Diamond Prelude first-up in February.
He was a little outclassed in a couple of Group 1 features, but went to the paddock after an improved performance for third in the Kindergarten Stakes, and his first two starts back this time have been credible.
This is easily the weakest task that he has been set, and I think it’s the perfect opportunity for him to return to winning form.
Always one of the more popular races of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, the greys race has attracted a typically open field, including Kooled.
Kooled was freshened after a credible effort for third behind the likes of Watadeel and Bews at Sandown back in August, and returned to finish fifth out at Ballarat in mid-October.
He was just a little outclassed in BM80 company on Moonee Valley Gold Cup Night but fitter third-up and dropping back in class, I think he’ll be in the finish at a lovely price! ($12 at publish).
I’ve been very keen on Vauban for more than a month now, and after drawing an inside barrier, I still think he’s going to take plenty of beating in this year’s Melbourne Cup field.
Vauban has been a standout for Willie Mullins since making his debut, recording seven wins and a further four minor placings from just fourteen starts.
Having won multiple Group 1 hurdle events, the Galiway gelding gave them a galloping lesson over 2816m at Ascot back in June, beating the likes of fellow Melbourne Cup contestant Absurde by nearly eight lengths, and he was last seen comfortably winning in Group 3 company over a mile and a half.
I think that he’ll be right at home on the big Flemington track, while the booking of Melbourne Cup winning jockey Ryan Moore adds further confidence.
Check out my full race preview and complete 2023 Melbourne Cup Tips RIGHT HERE
New Zealand Group 1 winner Skew Wiff steps out in the penultimate race at Flemington today, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes, and I think it’s a perfect one for her.
Skew Wiff has rarely turned in a poor performance during her fourteen career starts so far, and her consistency in quality black type races in New Zealand culminated in her winning the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy at Hastings in September.
Retrospectively, she clearly needed her first run in the Tristarc Stakes here in Australia to tune up, but she was just over a length behind the winner that day, and she’s a horse that tends to enjoy sharp improvement with a run under her belt.