{"id":247545,"date":"2022-10-30T02:44:01","date_gmt":"2022-10-30T03:44:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/?p=247545"},"modified":"2022-10-30T10:58:27","modified_gmt":"2022-10-30T10:58:27","slug":"cup-tactics-tipped-to-cruel-favourites-8m-bid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/?p=247545","title":{"rendered":"Cup 'tactics' tipped to cruel favourite's $8m bid"},"content":{"rendered":"

Melbourne Cup horses, field, form guide:<\/strong><\/em> SIMON O'DONNELL is a racing commentator, the founder of<\/strong><\/em> Wingara Thoroughbreds<\/strong><\/em><\/a> and a former Australian international cricketer.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Deauville Legend has\ufeff been priced as the deserved favourite to win Tuesday's Melbourne Cup<\/a> – the race that stops a nation.<\/p>\n

And while it is clearly the class horse of the race, the result is far from a forgone conclusion.<\/p>\n

ULTIMATE GUIDE:<\/strong> Everything you need to know about the 2022 Melbourne Cup\ufeff<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

READ MORE:<\/strong> Huge upset as icon's horse claims Victoria Derby\ufeff<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

READ MORE:<\/strong> Melbourne Cup 2022 weather forecast<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Race tactics will play a major part in deciding the finishing order of the 2022 event, and what we see in the first 200m should give a fair indication of\ufeff which jockey will be saluting as they go past the post.<\/p>\n

The favourite could very well be knocked out of contention early if the Melbourne Cup plays out as I expect it to, with a much slower pace expected up front.<\/p>\n

Hopefully this comprehensive form guide helps you pick a winner.\ufeff<\/p>\n

\"Deauville<\/p>\n

1. GOLD TRIP (barrier 14)<\/strong><\/p>\n

6yo horse<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 57.5kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> Ciaron Maher and David Eustace<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> Mark Zahra<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 15: 1-4-4<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: x33529<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 2200m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $1,514,914<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 13 \/ 4 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: Super run in the Caulfield Cup, has elite form over 2400m in Europe. Seems to be finding his Aussie legs this preparation. Has plenty of weight to carry, but on his day if he can run the two miles he's a genuine chance.<\/p>\n

2. DUAIS (barrier 10)<\/strong><\/p>\n

5yo mare<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 55.5kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> Edward Cummings<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> Hugh Bowman<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 23: 7-4-1<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: 7×0688<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 1300-2400m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $2,887,765<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 26 \/ 6.50 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: To me has seemed a little flat throughout her prep so far, or possibly is looking for these longer journeys. Her lead-up runs have not been ideal through the Turnbull Stakes and Caulfield Cup. Seemed to be racing a little flat, but if she can bring her A game and stay the 3200m her best form puts her in it.<\/p>\n

3. KNIGHTS ORDER (barrier 24)<\/strong><\/p>\n

8yo gelding<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 55.5kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> Tim Clark<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 30: 9-1-5<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: 1×1343<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 1600-3200m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $2,421,401<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 26 \/ 6.50 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: Was very ordinary in the Melbourne Cup last year but has since picked his form back up with a Sydney Cup victory, and a bold finish in the Caulfield Cup. If he handles the pressure and the day better than last year, he's a genuine top-10 chance.<\/p>\n

4. MONTEFILIA (barrier 11)<\/strong><\/p>\n

5yo mare<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 55.5kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> David Payne<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> Jason Collett<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 22: 6-1-5<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: 18×434<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 1400-2400m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $2,756525<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 12 \/ 3.90 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: Hit the line very strongly in the Caulfield Cup and gave every indication she is searching for a longer journey. Is a class act and has the breeding either side to run this sort of distance. Brings strong build-up form into the race and is one of the genuine chances.<\/p>\n

\"Montefilia<\/p>\n

5. NUMERIAN (barrier 7)<\/strong><\/p>\n

7yo gelding<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 55.5kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> Annabel Neasham<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> Tommy Berry<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 30: 5-8-4<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: 211225<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 1408-2200m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $1,514,573<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 71 \/ 17 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: Loomed to win the Caulfield Cup but looked to fade on his run. On that evidence alone I can't see him running 3200m. I believe the trip will bring him undone and he is better suited around the 2000m mark to see his best.<\/p>\n

6. WITHOUT A FIGHT (barrier 18)<\/strong><\/p>\n

6yo gelding<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 55.5kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> Simon and Ed Crisford<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> William Buick<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 17: 7-3-4<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: 203112<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 2012-2787m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $410,620<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 11 \/ 3.70 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: One of the overseas raiders. Is a good traveller and brings winning competitive form to our shores. By all reports, and watching his vision, he is tough, he is hard, and he will genuinely make his presence felt.<\/p>\n

\"Verry<\/p>\n

7. CAMORRA (barrier 17)<\/strong><\/p>\n

6yo gelding<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 55kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> Ben and JD Hayes<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> Ben Melham<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 17: 4-2-4<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: 7×5518<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 1628-2816m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $294,998<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 51 \/ 13 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: Form prior to his last run has been impressive. The better the ground it seems the better he goes, so a firmer track on Tuesday should give him his best chance. Have a small query because of his poor showing last time out, but bringing his A game he should stay two miles, and a genuine top-10 finish wouldn't surprise.<\/p>\n

8. DEAUVILLE LEGEND (barrier 9)<\/strong><\/p>\n

4yo gelding<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 55kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> James Ferguson<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> Kerrin McEvoy<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 7: 3-3-0<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: x12121<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 2012-2615m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $556,167<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 3.60 \/ 2 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: A rightful favourite for the Melbourne Cup. Brings a strong winning and staying profile to the race. Is carrying 3.5kg more than any other three-year-old from Europe that has won the Melbourne Cup, so he is weighted to be a very good horse. Whether his seven-race experience is enough to season him and have him ready to win a Melbourne Cup, only the race will tell us. But he's a genuine chance on everything he's done during the English summer.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

9. STOCKMAN (barrier 9)<\/strong><\/p>\n

6yo gelding<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 54kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> Joseph Pride<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> Sam Clipperton<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 36: 8-7-3<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: 964418<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 1300-2600m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $1,343,890<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 29 \/ 7.50 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: Has struggled any time he's gone to race at elite level, albeit has a Group 1 placing the Tancred last autumn. Won two starts back over 2600m, and then expecting him to run a strong mile, but I'm not sure he has the class to greet the judge first in a Melbourne Cup.<\/p>\n

10. VOW AND DECLARE (barrier 4)<\/strong><\/p>\n

7yo gelding<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 54kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> Danny O'Brien<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> Blake Shinn<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 27: 4-3-4<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: 0x5356<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 1800-3200m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $6,035,880<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 21 \/ 5.50 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: The 2019 winner who looks to be going as good as he was then. Hit the line solidly in the Caulfield Cup with some late interference. Obviously with race track and distance experience here, and going as well as he is, he has put himself in the picture again to be competitive in the 2022 version of the race.<\/p>\n

\"Vow<\/p>\n

11. YOUNG WERTHER (barrier 21)<\/strong><\/p>\n

5yo gelding<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 54kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> Danny O'Brien<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> Damian Lane<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 14: 1-4-3<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: 28×430<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 1500m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $1,149,900<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 34 \/ 9 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: Gives every indication he will run a journey like this, but has had no luck with the barrier draw. Doesn't often win. A solid performance against outstanding company in the Cox Plate will have topped him off to give it his best over two miles.<\/p>\n

12. HOO YA MAL (barrier 15)<\/strong><\/p>\n

4yo horse<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 53.5kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> Craig Williams<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 9: 2-3-3<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: 322318<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 1408-2816m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $905,868<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 19 \/ 5.50 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: Runner-up in an Epsom derby is an excellent form for a Melbourne Cup. It is such a tough course you would think it should hold him in good stead to run the two miles here. Has won over 2800m in Europe which gives us every indication that two miles is going to be within his armory. Will be trained to the minute by Gai Waterhouse, expect him to be positive from barrier 15, and could be in the race for a long way.<\/p>\n

\"Manzoice<\/p>\n

13. SERPENTINE (barrier 23)<\/strong><\/p>\n

6yo gelding<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 53.5kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> Robert Hickmott<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> John Allen<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 14: 2-1-0<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: x00902<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 2012-2420m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $730,004<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 71 \/ 17 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: An English Derby winner. A bold front-running ride on Saturday gained him entry into the race. Expect him again to go forward over the 2400m, and by super staying stallion Galileo, expect him to enjoy the 3200m of the Melbourne Cup, and be there or thereabouts for a top-10 finish. I'm just not sure if he has the class to win it.<\/p>\n

14. DAQIANSWEET JUNIOR (barrier 13)<\/strong><\/p>\n

5yo gelding<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 53kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> Phillip Stokes<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> Daniel Moor<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 21: 7-1-2<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: 13×070<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 1600-3200m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $621,142<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 51 \/ 13 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: Adelaide Cup winner, Sydney Cup place getter. Form leading into this has been only fair, but a genuine stayer who will appreciate running over the two miles. My question mark is whether he has the class to worry the top contenders.<\/p>\n

\"I<\/p>\n

15. GRAND PROMENADE (barrier 1)<\/strong><\/p>\n

7yo gelding<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 53kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> Ciaron Maher and David Eustace<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> Harry Coffey<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 24: 8-4-2<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: x7x594<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 1700-2600m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $1,222,400<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 81 \/ 21 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: Solid effort in the Moonee Valley Cup last start over 2500m. Has a good record at Flemington, winning here three times, but his one try at 3200m brought him undone. Under Tuesday's pressure I'm not sure he has the class to win the race, but it wouldn't surprise if he could finish somewhere between five and 10 at the end of the 3200m.<\/p>\n

16. ARAPAHO (barrier 19)<\/strong><\/p>\n

6yo gelding<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 52.5kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> Bjorn Baker<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> Rachel King<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 26: 6-5-3<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: 712382<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 1300-2350m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $673,900<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 81 \/ 21 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: Beaten by Stockman in an open handicap last start over 2600m. This preparation has been solid, but I'm not sure it has been solid enough to have the form or ability to win a Melbourne Cup.<\/p>\n

17. EMISSARY (barrier 3)<\/strong><\/p>\n

6yo gelding<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 51.5kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> Michael Moroney<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> Patrick Moloney<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 15: 4-2-3<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: 5×1581<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 1700-2400m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $545,583<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 29 \/ 8 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: Winner of the Geelong Cup last start, which is always great form to bring into a Melbourne Cup. Well-bred European import now in Australian hands, looked an absolute picture at Geelong and ran accordingly. Seems to be genuinely finding his mojo for the Australian way of racing, and could figure.<\/p>\n

\"Emissary<\/p>\n

18. LUNAR FLARE (barrier 12)<\/strong><\/p>\n

7yo mare<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 51.5kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> Grahame Begg<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> Michael Dee<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 33: 8-4-6<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: x46612<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 1600-2510m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $1,653,555<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 19 \/ 5.50 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: Comes into this racing after winning the Bart Cummings two starts back. Is a genuine staying prospect, but former Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente. This race will deliver far greater challenges than the Bart Cummings and a second in the Moonee Valley Cup, but expect her to run – as usual – a very honest and solid race.<\/p>\n

19. SMOKIN' ROMANS (barrier 16)<\/strong><\/p>\n

6yo gelding<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 51.5kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> Ciaron Maher and David Eustace<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> Jamie Kah<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 24: 9-6-1<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: x92117<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 1500-2500m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $1,403,865<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 19 \/ 5.50 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: Favourite for the Melbourne Cup last start, and frankly I thought disappointed when put into the race at the right time. That puts the question mark in my mind as to his ability to now run the two miles. His trainers are in superb form, and all reports are the horse has continued to thrive since his disappointing Caulfield run. The question mark being the 3200m, but he will be fit and ready to run to his best on Tuesday.<\/p>\n

20. TRALEE ROSE<\/strong><\/p>\n

6yo mare<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 51.5kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> Symon Wilde<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> Dean Yendall<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 19: 6-4-2<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: 19×700<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 1700-2800m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $907,725<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 126 \/ 29 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: Returns to the Melbourne Cup in 2022 in far lesser form than her previous attempt. Form leading in can only be described as ordinary. They will have pushed on to take their place in the Melbourne Cup, but from what she's produced on track, rather than what we read on paper, I can't see her being a genuine chance of winning.<\/p>\n

\"Tralee<\/p>\n

21. POINT NEPEAN (barrier 20)<\/strong><\/p>\n

5yo horse<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 51kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> Robert Hickmott<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> Wayne Lordan<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 9: 4-1-0<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: 111×90<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 2400-2800m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $468,515<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 61 \/ 15 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: (Owner) Lloyd Williams going for his eighth Melbourne Cup – this son of Camelot won the Andrew Ramsden three starts back to win his ticket into the Melbourne Cup. I thought his Herbert Power run was only poor. No weight on his back, but with a poor draw I think he really has a task ahead of him to give Lloyd his eighth Cup on Tuesday.<\/p>\n

22. HIGH EMOCEAN (barrier 8)<\/strong><\/p>\n

6yo mare<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 50kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> Ciaron Maher and David Eustace<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> Teo Nugent<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 22: 7-5-3<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: x34161<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 1600-2500m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $705,635<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 41 \/ 10 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: Was strong over the 2400m to win the Bendigo Cup last start. I'm not sure that's the form good enough to win a Melbourne Cup. But of course we need to be hesitant in questioning the capabilities of the Maher-Eustace training partnership.<\/p>\n

23. INTERPRETATION (barrier 6)<\/strong><\/p>\n

5yo horse<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 50kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> Ciaron Maher and David Eustace<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> Craig Newitt<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 10: 3-0-1<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: 4×6536<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 2012-2816m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $242,850<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 51 \/ 13 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: Another of the Maher-Eustace runners, has been thereabouts this preparation without putting his hoof on the till. The drop in weight will help, and a good barrier will also assist. As much as he needs to improve from his last three runs significantly, 3200m may just bring the best out of him, and top-10 finish would not surprise.<\/p>\n

\"2022<\/p>\n

24. REALM OF FLOWERS (barrier 5)<\/strong><\/p>\n

6yo mare<\/p>\n

Weight:<\/strong> 50kg<\/p>\n

Trainer:<\/strong> Anthony and Sam Freedman<\/p>\n

Jockey:<\/strong> Damien Thornton<\/p>\n

Career:<\/strong> 23: 5-4-3<\/p>\n

Last 6<\/strong>: 06×033<\/p>\n

Win range<\/strong>: 1512-2800m<\/p>\n

Earnings<\/strong>: $616,110<\/p>\n

Odds<\/strong>: 12 \/ 3.90 (courtesy of Bet365 as of 1pm Sunday)<\/p>\n

Simon O'Donnell says<\/strong>: A solid run in the Metropolitan last start. She's won a Sandown Cup, was honest in the Sydney Cup over 3200m. Was one of the favourites going into her previous Melbourne Cup, so the ability is there. But I'm sure she is going as well now as she has been in previous preparations.<\/p>\n

SIMON O'DONNELL'S MELBOURNE CUP TIP<\/strong><\/p>\n

1st<\/strong> \ufeffMontefilia 2nd<\/strong> Vow And Declare 3rd<\/strong> Deauville Legend 4th<\/strong> Without A Fight<\/p>\n

How the race will play out<\/strong>: \ufeffI think Knights Order<\/strong> will lead coming from barrier 4, and the other Waterhouse runner Hoo Ya Mal<\/strong> will also go forward. It's not going to be as strong a two miles as we've seen previously.<\/p>\n

It will be interesting to see with some of the more fancied runners that are wide, whether they take the punt that the pace isn't going to be on, and they go forward, or whether they try to sneak in down the back. But without pace on it's going to be hard to make ground over the last couple of furlongs.<\/p>\n

Tactically that is going to be a really interesting part of the race to watch. Serpentine<\/strong> was a runaway leader in his Epson Derby win, and led again on Saturday. I expect him to go forward, but I don't see the genuine six or seven on-pace horses who are going to make it a strongly run Cup.<\/p>\n

I think this year will be more of a sit-and-sprint, which will help horses with that little bit of brilliance – which I think Montefilia<\/strong> has. I don't think there is going to be as much pressure as there has been in previous years.<\/p>\n

The winner will come from the front half of the field, which will play into Deauville Legend<\/strong>'s hands that he can take a spot midfield and not be run off his feet.<\/p>\n

For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by<\/strong><\/em> clicking here<\/strong><\/em><\/a>!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Melbourne Cup horses, field, form guide: SIMON O'DONNELL is a racing commentator, the founder of Wingara Thoroughbreds and a former Australian international cricketer. Deauville Legend […]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/247545"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=247545"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/247545\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":247547,"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/247545\/revisions\/247547"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=247545"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=247545"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=247545"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}