{"id":79119,"date":"2025-11-04T07:48:43","date_gmt":"2025-11-03T21:48:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/?p=79119"},"modified":"2025-11-04T21:53:01","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T11:53:01","slug":"2025-melbourne-cup-day-tips-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/2025\/11\/2025-melbourne-cup-day-tips-preview\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 Melbourne Cup Day Tips & Preview\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The first Tuesday in November delivers Australia\u2019s most iconic sporting event, the Melbourne Cup, <\/strong>a race that transcends sport itself and captures the imagination of more than 700 million viewers worldwide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018The race that stops a nation\u2019 is set to deliver another epic showdown at Flemington<\/strong>, with local heroes taking on the best from around the world over the famous 3200m. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s Melbourne Cup<\/a> field is stacked with class, stories, and plenty of betting intrigue.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will we see a fairytale finish, an international victor, or another outsider storm home to shake up the nation\u2019s sweepstakes?  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whatever happens, it\u2019s one of the biggest days on the punting calendar, and I have you covered for all 10 races! <\/p>\n\n\n

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Race 1 \u2013 Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate (1000 METRES) <\/div>\n
No. 2 Tornado Valley <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Each Way<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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TORNADO VALLEY (2)<\/span><\/b> was unlucky not to win on debut and can make amends in the Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate<\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Ciaron Maher-trained colt settled near the tail of the Debutante Stakes field before charging to the line despite traffic issues to finish a length third.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There was plenty of merit in the run given he clocked the fastest closing sectionals despite being badly held up and forced to change course.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He\u2019ll strip fitter second-up and has an experience edge over all bar two rivals. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Selections: 2-4-3-8<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Flemington R1 – Darley Maribyrnong Plate (G3)<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
<\/colgroup>
1st<\/span><\/div>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2. Tornado Valley (2)<\/span>
J: Ethan Brown<\/span> 58kg<\/span><\/div>
3<\/span>T: Ciaron Maher<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
5.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
2.00<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 19\/07\/2026 09:03:53 PM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results: Flemington Race 1<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Race 2 \u2013 MA Services Grand Handicap (2000 METRES) <\/div>\n
No. 7 Brave Miss <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Each Way<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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BRAVE MISS (7)<\/span><\/b> has been racing in ultra consistent form with two wins and two thirds from her past four races.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained mare found the line strongly off a slow speed to win four starts ago on the Hillside track before finishing close thirds in her next two starts including once over 1800m here. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She revelled with the rise to this distance last start when hitting the line hard to win the Pinker Pinker Plate at Pakenham.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I loved her action in that win, and it suggests to me that it will suit the expansive Flemington track. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Selections: 7-3-14-10<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Flemington R2 – Ma Services Grand Handicap (Bm80)<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
<\/colgroup>
4th<\/span><\/div>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
7. Brave Miss (8)<\/span>
J: Jamie Melham<\/span> 58kg<\/span><\/div>
61331<\/span>T: Anthony & Sam Freedman<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
8.50<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
2.80<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 24\/07\/2026 11:45:18 AM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results: Flemington Race 2<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Race 3 \u2013 Listed TAB Trophy (1800 METRES) <\/div>\n
No. 9 Arabian Prince <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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ARABIAN PRINCE (9)<\/span><\/b> missed out on a run in the Group 1 Victoria Derby<\/a>, but his connections misfortune is our gain as he looks tough to beat here.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Michael Kent-trained colt was very good last start in the Group 3 Caulfield Classic<\/a> when settling at the tail and finishing in the quickest final 400m of the race to end up 1.21 lengths sixth.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s the right form for this race and it was a similar scenario to the start prior when 1.36 lengths fifth in the Listed Super Impose Stakes. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He\u2019s at peak fitness and gets the services of Ethan Brown.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Selections: 9-4-3-2<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Flemington R3 – Tab Trophy (L)<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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6th<\/span><\/div>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
9. Arabian Prince (7)<\/span>
J: Ethan Brown<\/span> 57kg<\/span><\/div>
3×56<\/span>T: Michael Kent<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
5.50<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
2.15<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 24\/07\/2026 11:45:19 AM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results: Flemington Race 3<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Race 4 – The Schweppervescence Plate (1000 METRES) <\/div>\n
No. 2 Pallaton <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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PALLATON (2)<\/span><\/b> has been plagued by wide runs since joining the Michael Freedman stable, but that won\u2019t be a problem down the famous Flemington straight.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Wootton Bassett colt never got on the track two starts back in the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes<\/a> and understandably weakened in the final furlong.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He produced a huge run last start in the Listed Brian Crowley Stakes where he once again raced three-deep on speed but this time he didn\u2019t shirk the task to finish 1.41 lengths second.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

James McDonald is a key booking and will give his mount every chance.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Selections: 2-4-9-1<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Flemington R4 – The Schweppervescence Plate<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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1st<\/span><\/div>
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2. Pallaton (4)<\/span>
J: James McDonald<\/span> 57.5kg<\/span><\/div>
x3562<\/span>T: Michael Freedman<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2.90<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.40<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 24\/07\/2026 11:45:20 AM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results: Flemington Race 4<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Race 5 – Australian Heritage Cup (2800 METRES) <\/div>\n
No. 10 Golden Century <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Each Way<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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GOLDEN CENTURY (10)<\/span><\/b> has been a picture of consistency this campaign and appears well positioned to maintain his impressive run of form.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Chris Waller-trained gelding played up at the barriers and wanted to overdo things behind a slow speed last start over 2400m at Caulfield but still clocked the quickest final 400m of the race as he charged home to finish just under a length third.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Prior to coming to Melbourne, he won back-to-back races in dominant fashion including once in wet conditions.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Group 1 NZ Derby third placegetter is rock hard fit and will appreciate the big weight drop.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Selections: 10-8-9-3<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Flemington R5 – Australian Heritage Cup Handicap (Bm96)<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
<\/colgroup>
9th<\/span><\/div>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
10. Golden Century (10)<\/span>
J: Joao Moreira<\/span> 53kg<\/span><\/div>
32113<\/span>T: Chris Waller<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
4.80<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
2.05<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 24\/07\/2026 11:45:21 AM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results: Flemington Race 5<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Race 6 \u2013 Listed Kirin Ichiban Plate (1800 METRES) <\/div>\n
No. 5 Saint George <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Tip of The Day<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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SAINT GEORGE (5)<\/span><\/b> is looking to enjoy a much better Melbourne Cup Day experience than he did last year when finishing second last in the main event.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Ciaron Maher-trained ghostly grey spent nearly a year in the paddock and returned recently as a gelding in the Listed Seymour Cup. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He produced an amazing performance, storming home from the back through the ruck to finish a neck second.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was a real flashing light run that suggested he\u2019ll be better over further which he gets here.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There looks to be good speed in the race which will aid his cause.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Selections: 5-6-2-3<\/p>\n

Flemington R6 – Kirin Ichiban Plate (L)<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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2nd<\/span><\/div>
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5. Saint George (8)<\/span>
J: Ethan Brown<\/span> 56kg<\/span><\/div>
950×2<\/span>T: Ciaron Maher<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2.90<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.40<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 24\/07\/2026 11:45:22 AM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results: Flemington Race 6<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Race 7 – Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200 METRES) <\/div>\n
No. 1 Al Riffa<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Each Way<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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AL RIFFA (1)<\/span><\/b> is being asked to create modern-day Melbourne Cup weight carrying record by lugging a massive impost of 59kg. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, the son of Wootton Bassett has the international credentials to justify it, and in his favour is the fact he\u2019s a powerful, brute of a horse and proven to handle weight. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His last start four-length win in the Irish St. Leger with 61.5kg was pure arrogance. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That followed an impressive five-length win in the Curragh Cup. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Given how strongly he ran those two 2800m races out, the further the better for him and he’ll handle the two miles for the first time well.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His trainer Joseph O\u2019Brien has won two Melbourne Cups so knows what type of horse it takes, and he rates this guy as the best he\u2019s brought to Australia.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jockey Mark Zahra is riding like the best jockey in Australia at the moment and can work his magic from the wide draw.<\/span><\/p>\n

Selections: 1-14-24-17<\/p>\n

Flemington R7 – Lexus Melbourne Cup (G1)<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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7th<\/span><\/div>
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1. Al Riffa (19)<\/span>
J: Mark Zahra<\/span> 59kg<\/span><\/div>
x4211<\/span>T: Joseph O’Brien<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
7.50<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
3.10<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 19\/07\/2026 05:45:05 PM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results: Flemington Race 7<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Race 8 – Listed Amanda Elliott (1400 METRES) <\/div>\n
No. 15 Ludlum <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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LUDLUM (15)<\/span><\/b> has had just the two starts, yet he shows the kind of natural class and presence that suggests an X factor.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Grahame Begg-trained gelding picked up strongly in the closing stages to finish a head second over 1000m at Ballarat on debut.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He was unwanted in the market last start at Seymour but that mattered for little as he powered home after racing three-wide the trip to defeat Chergui by 1.8 lengths.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Chergui had previously placed at Listed level so there was plenty of merit to the win.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He\u2019ll strip fitter third-up and will love the rise to 1400m.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Selections: 15-2-4-11<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Flemington R8 – Lexus Amanda Elliott (L)<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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14th<\/span><\/div>
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15. Ludlum (11)<\/span>
J: Jordan Childs<\/span> 54kg<\/span><\/div>
21<\/span>T: Grahame Begg<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
5.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
2.05<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 24\/07\/2026 11:45:23 AM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results: Flemington Race 8<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Race 9 \u2013 Group 3 The Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes (1400 METRES) <\/div>\n
No. 15 Surfin\u2019 Bird <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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SURFIN\u2019 BIRD (15)<\/span><\/b> has started her career in gnarly fashion with four wins from five starts.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Waterhouse & Bott-trained mare returned from an eight-week freshen-up last start over 1440m at Caulfield and could not have been more impressive, sitting three-wide before putting the sword to her rivals in the straight for a 4.25 length win.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Prior to that she won by a massive five lengths at Geelong before showing a real will to win and fearlessness to charge headfirst into tight quarters to win over a mile.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She has tremendous upside and maps to enjoy a sweet run in the 2025 Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes<\/a> for Tim Clark.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Selections: 15-10-1-2<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Flemington R9 – The Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes (G3)<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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5th<\/span><\/div>
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15. Surfin’ Bird (6)<\/span>
J: Tim Clark<\/span> 55kg<\/span><\/div>
17111<\/span>T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
1.80<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.16<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 19\/07\/2026 09:03:53 PM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results: Flemington Race 9<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Race 10 – Channel 9 Trophy (1400 METRES) <\/div>\n
No. 7 Sunshineinmypocket<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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SUNSHINEINMYPOCKET (7)<\/span><\/b> looks primed for a big performance third-up.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Ciaron Maher-trained mare was very good first-up over 1200m at The Valley where she ran on strongly to finish a head second.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She backed that super effort up last start over 1440m at Caulfield when taking ground off Ndola to finish a length third.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She\u2019ll strip fitter third-up and meets Ndola better at the weights.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A senior jockey in Ethan Brown going on is a big plus.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Selections: <\/span>7<\/span>-3-7-1<\/span>-14<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Flemington R10 – Channel 9 Trophy Handicap (Bm90)<\/span> <\/div>
Final<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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2nd<\/span><\/div>
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7. Sunshineinmypocket (6)<\/span>
J: Ethan Brown<\/span> 57kg<\/span><\/div>
21×23<\/span>T: Ciaron Maher<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
3.60<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/div>
1.65<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.neds.com.au\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 24\/07\/2026 11:45:24 AM (Australia\/Brisbane) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n View Results: Flemington Race 10<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The first Tuesday in November delivers Australia\u2019s most iconic sporting event, the Melbourne Cup, a race that transcends sport itself and captures the imagination of more than 700 million viewers worldwide.  \u2018The race that stops a nation\u2019 is set to deliver another epic showdown at Flemington, with local heroes taking on the best from around the world over the famous 3200m.  This year\u2019s Melbourne Cup field is stacked with class, stories, and plenty of betting intrigue.   Will we see a fairytale finish, an international victor, or another outsider storm home to shake up the nation\u2019s sweepstakes?   Whatever happens,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":79120,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,14],"tags":[861],"hub_post_cat":[8162],"class_list":["post-79119","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-horse-racing","category-racing-tips","tag-racing-tips"],"acf":{"md_tip_date":"","md_tip_date_end":"","md_market_url":"","tip_date":"04\/11\/2025","event_country":"Australia","race_card_tips":[{"author_id":"33","race_id":"de888d02-d3fd-40a6-afd3-6d8d321343a4","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"e67607b4-6a26-4fee-b50c-44e1293bc115"}],"summary":"TORNADO VALLEY (2) was unlucky not to win on debut and can make amends in the Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate.\u00a0 The Ciaron Maher-trained colt settled near the tail of the Debutante Stakes field before charging to the line despite traffic issues to finish a length third.\u00a0 There was plenty of merit in the run given he clocked the fastest closing sectionals despite being badly held up and forced to change course.\u00a0 He\u2019ll strip fitter second-up and has an experience edge over all bar two rivals. \u00a0 Selections: 2-4-3-8\u00a0"}]},{"author_id":"33","race_id":"a83e9bbe-618f-47bf-93e1-523f20703224","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"3125768b-c1a9-4c7d-b524-122f3c91fd1f"}],"summary":"BRAVE MISS (7) has been racing in ultra consistent form with two wins and two thirds from her past four races.\u00a0 The Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained mare found the line strongly off a slow speed to win four starts ago on the Hillside track before finishing close thirds in her next two starts including once over 1800m here. \u00a0 She revelled with the rise to this distance last start when hitting the line hard to win the Pinker Pinker Plate at Pakenham.\u00a0 I loved her action in that win, and it suggests to me that it will suit the expansive Flemington track. \u00a0 Selections: 7-3-14-10\u00a0"}]},{"author_id":"33","race_id":"5c1b737d-cb14-4309-90aa-51aa23e4d0e1","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"2deb9a7c-6208-4bfd-80ea-26e7051949be"}],"summary":"ARABIAN PRINCE (9) missed out on a run in the Group 1 Victoria Derby, but his connections misfortune is our gain as he looks tough to beat here.\u00a0 The Michael Kent-trained colt was very good last start in the Group 3 Caulfield Classic when settling at the tail and finishing in the quickest final 400m of the race to end up 1.21 lengths sixth.\u00a0 That\u2019s the right form for this race and it was a similar scenario to the start prior when 1.36 lengths fifth in the Listed Super Impose Stakes. \u00a0 He\u2019s at peak fitness and gets the services of Ethan Brown.\u00a0 Selections: 9-4-3-2\u00a0"}]},{"author_id":"33","race_id":"3320e360-36bd-4c89-95eb-d4b279b92d89","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"fed2e457-d441-4f3d-928e-9649c880819c"}],"summary":"PALLATON (2) has been plagued by wide runs since joining the Michael Freedman stable, but that won\u2019t be a problem down the famous Flemington straight.\u00a0 The Wootton Bassett colt never got on the track two starts back in the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes and understandably weakened in the final furlong.\u00a0 He produced a huge run last start in the Listed Brian Crowley Stakes where he once again raced three-deep on speed but this time he didn\u2019t shirk the task to finish 1.41 lengths second.\u00a0 James McDonald is a key booking and will give his mount every chance.\u00a0 Selections: 2-4-9-1\u00a0"}]},{"author_id":"33","race_id":"c2db3ba7-2dea-4413-b9a6-43ce44e953b9","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"3ff370bb-ea2c-4009-ba0f-56e930c9f144"}],"summary":"GOLDEN CENTURY (10) has been a picture of consistency this campaign and appears well positioned to maintain his impressive run of form.\u00a0 The Chris Waller-trained gelding played up at the barriers and wanted to overdo things behind a slow speed last start over 2400m at Caulfield but still clocked the quickest final 400m of the race as he charged home to finish just under a length third.\u00a0 Prior to coming to Melbourne, he won back-to-back races in dominant fashion including once in wet conditions.\u00a0 The Group 1 NZ Derby third placegetter is rock hard fit and will appreciate the big weight drop.\u00a0 Selections: 10-8-9-3\u00a0"}]},{"author_id":"33","race_id":"9911e3da-c228-4617-964d-37a7f6cebb84","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"4d7c0118-9aed-43b4-9bd4-8b2ebd447985"}],"summary":"SAINT GEORGE (5) is looking to enjoy a much better Melbourne Cup Day experience than he did last year when finishing second last in the main event.\u00a0 The Ciaron Maher-trained ghostly grey spent nearly a year in the paddock and returned recently as a gelding in the Listed Seymour Cup. \u00a0 He produced an amazing performance, storming home from the back through the ruck to finish a neck second.\u00a0 It was a real flashing light run that suggested he\u2019ll be better over further which he gets here.\u00a0 There looks to be good speed in the race which will aid his cause.\u00a0 Selections: 5-6-2-3"}]},{"author_id":"33","race_id":"880d45d4-1637-4400-8ab3-6db0b178384c","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"2948d5a4-a777-442d-97b7-a1953dca43a4"}],"summary":"AL RIFFA (1) is being asked to create modern-day Melbourne Cup weight carrying record by lugging a massive impost of 59kg. \u00a0 However, the son of Wootton Bassett has the international credentials to justify it, and in his favour is the fact he\u2019s a powerful, brute of a horse and proven to handle weight. \u00a0 His last start four-length win in the Irish St. Leger with 61.5kg was pure arrogance. \u00a0 That followed an impressive five-length win in the Curragh Cup. \u00a0 Given how strongly he ran those two 2800m races out, the further the better for him and he'll handle the two miles for the first time well.\u00a0\u00a0 His trainer Joseph O\u2019Brien has won two Melbourne Cups so knows what type of horse it takes, and he rates this guy as the best he\u2019s brought to Australia.\u00a0\u00a0 Jockey Mark Zahra is riding like the best jockey in Australia at the moment and can work his magic from the wide draw. Selections: 1-14-24-17"}]},{"author_id":"33","race_id":"91e448fd-2c45-4c42-ab17-11519ee4dbd4","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"2a9da40a-cde2-4762-bf2a-15e4590fe174"}],"summary":"LUDLUM (15) has had just the two starts, yet he shows the kind of natural class and presence that suggests an X factor.\u00a0 The Grahame Begg-trained gelding picked up strongly in the closing stages to finish a head second over 1000m at Ballarat on debut.\u00a0 He was unwanted in the market last start at Seymour but that mattered for little as he powered home after racing three-wide the trip to defeat Chergui by 1.8 lengths.\u00a0 Chergui had previously placed at Listed level so there was plenty of merit to the win.\u00a0 He\u2019ll strip fitter third-up and will love the rise to 1400m.\u00a0 Selections: 15-2-4-11\u00a0"}]},{"author_id":"33","race_id":"712349c2-6151-48d6-b318-67ae5ca1e2f6","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"cc2c1316-b923-46f0-bc21-01c09094b7f4"}],"summary":"SURFIN\u2019 BIRD (15) has started her career in gnarly fashion with four wins from five starts.\u00a0 The Waterhouse & Bott-trained mare returned from an eight-week freshen-up last start over 1440m at Caulfield and could not have been more impressive, sitting three-wide before putting the sword to her rivals in the straight for a 4.25 length win.\u00a0 Prior to that she won by a massive five lengths at Geelong before showing a real will to win and fearlessness to charge headfirst into tight quarters to win over a mile.\u00a0 She has tremendous upside and maps to enjoy a sweet run in the 2025 Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes for Tim Clark.\u00a0 Selections: 15-10-1-2\u00a0"}]},{"author_id":"33","race_id":"85421d34-3362-4352-8c21-8715589a6ace","racing_tip":[{"entrants":[{"entrant_id":"fa2dd61e-11b3-476d-b101-43e3e55f53d6"}],"summary":"SUNSHINEINMYPOCKET (7) looks primed for a big performance third-up.\u00a0 The Ciaron Maher-trained mare was very good first-up over 1200m at The Valley where she ran on strongly to finish a head second.\u00a0 She backed that super effort up last start over 1440m at Caulfield when taking ground off Ndola to finish a length third.\u00a0 She\u2019ll strip fitter third-up and meets Ndola better at the weights.\u00a0 A senior jockey in Ethan Brown going on is a big plus.\u00a0 Selections: 7-3-7-1-14\u00a0"}]}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79119","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/33"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=79119"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79119\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/79120"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=79119"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=79119"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=79119"},{"taxonomy":"hub_post_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hub_post_cat?post=79119"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}