Get our Flemington best bets for Melbourne Cup Day, including key runners, race analysis and betting opportunities!
STAR OF MACEDON (2) is tackling 1800m for the first time and looks ready to run a big race third-up.
The Zoustar colt burst back onto the scene to win his maiden at Kilmore over 1200m, before heading to Caufield a fortnight ago to contest the Gothic Stakes, where he was seen flashing home for sixth with some very tidy late sectionals to his name.
Blake Shinn has been in the saddle for both rides this prep and he should have a stack of options available from a midfield position. With this colt also boasting some wet track form, he appeals in a very open contest.
| 2. Star Of Macedon (5) 57kg32×16 |
SHOCKLETZ (24) appeals as one of the leading local hopes in the Melbourne Cup, especially for those looking for a horse with proven Flemington form.
The Ciaron Maher-trained mare has won three times at Headquarters, and her runner-up finish over 2040m in the Tesio Stakes was an encouraging lead-in. The big question is whether she can see out 3200m for the first time, but her second-up win in the Group 3 Archer Stakes over 2500m at Flemington offered positive signs about her staying ability.
With just 51kg on her back and Harry Coffey in the saddle, Shockletz looks a tempting contender.
| 24. Shockletz (17) 51kg64162 |
The Hayes boys have opted for the Amanda Elliott with RANARSSON (5) over Saturday’s Carbine Club Stakes on Derby Day.
The son to Ole Kirk was smashed in Futures betting before accepting and is likely to start short odds on Tuesday with two breathtaking wins at Cranbourne to his name so far.
Ben Melham gave him a peach of a ride three weeks ago, finding a stalking position before opening up a three-length gap into the straight, which he held all the way to the line.
This is obviously the sternest test he’s faced, but with 4.5kg off in the saddle and the wide barrier likely forcing the pair forward again, they’ll be incredibly hard to catch.
| 5. Ranarsson (6) 54kg11 |
BUCCLEUCH (1) is coming off another big run at Caulfield a few weeks ago, letting down with a stunning turn of foot down the outside to go three-quarters of a length clear.
He’s still carrying top weight but is drawn for a much cozier run in transit after being caught three-wide last time out.
Capable of handling all conditions, his only miss came in the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes two back where the wide alley got the better of him.
With Billy Egan sticking in the saddle though to match an impeccable record here at Flemington, he rates the one to beat.
| 1. Buccleuch (4) 60.5kgx1171 |