Simon O’Donnell – Melbourne Cup Posted on October 31, 2016November 2, 2016 | Posted by Simon O'Donnell We’ve come to that time of the year again for the race that stops the nation: the 2016 Melbourne Cup. 24 horses jump from the barriers on Tuesday at 12pm at Flemington and this version promises to be as exciting as any other in recent memory. The internationals hold a massive hand, with the sole Australian-bred entry Jameka proudly waving our national flag. She was brilliant in the Caulfield Cup with Nick Hall steering her around the final bend with a lapful of horse remaining, and when he asked her to extend she gave it her all and put paid to the rest of the field with absolute class. Tomorrow is a tougher prospect over 3200m but I’m sure she’s going to continue to remain competitive as she rarely runs a bad race. The most difficult rival for her to beat is Bondi Beach, who has been carrying in excess of 60kg on his back during his previous four runs in Europe before coming to Australia. He’s been specifically set for this year’s Melbourne Cup, and ran last year as a European three-year-old. This year it’s a different conveyance; he’s bigger, stronger and wiser this time around. Wicklow Brave comes off a win in the Irish St Leger against high-class opposition. That form could not be better for the two-mile race here at Flemington and he must be one of the top four contenders. Almandin has never lost a race in excess of 2000m and comes into this race on the back of emphatic winning form at his two most recent starts, albeit against lesser opposition. However, I expect him to be very competitive at Flemington on Tuesday. My top four numbers are Bondi Beach (4), Wicklow Brave (8), Jameka (12) and Almandin (17). For those punters looking for a roughie I believe Grey Lion (19) for trainer Matt Cumani is a good show. His father Luca has run desperately close in the Melbourne Cup twice, and his son may have luck on his side to win the big race on the first Tuesday of November. My SuperPick is Bondi Beach in the Melbourne Cup; I’ll take the 50% Profit Plus option for the place. All in all, it’s going to be a wonderful day and a great race. Enjoy! Bet Now
Shayne Williams’ Saturday Greyhound Best Bets July 27, 2024 MANDURAH Race 1 No. 1 West On Madge Lightly raced daughter of Melbourne cup winner Koblenz, was very good winning off the 8 box last… Read More
Scott Embry’s Sunday Kalgoorlie Preview July 26, 2024 RACE 1 MISS DE BEERS ran second to Kraken Time first-up and with that galloper going around favourite in a 3 year old 1400 on… Read More
Chris Pike’s Boomers Olympics Preview: Game 1 July 26, 2024 Game 1 v Spain (5pm WST Saturday 27th July) Coming off winning bronze in Tokyo, there’s plenty of spotlight on the Australian Boomers at the… Read More
Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 20 July 26, 2024 FRIDAY Carlton v Port Adelaide, Marvel Stadium, 5.40pm Now would be a great time for Port Adelaide to display considerable starch defensively. They have never… Read More
Weekend Tipsters July 26, 2024 Caulfield Saturday Warren Huntly Quaddie 4 5 1 11 – 2 5 – 7 2 1 9 – 6 12 9 Best Bets 1-2 Dom… Read More
Warren Huntly’s Saturday Caulfield Preview July 26, 2024 Race 1 Rain forecast during the day could see the track downgraded from the likely early good rating. DOM quickened impressively on debut over this… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Friday Greyhound Best Bets July 26, 2024 MANDURAH Race 4 No. 4 Hinto What a marvel this dog is, age shall not weary them, rising 4 year old and probably in career… Read More
Scott Embry’s Saturday Belmont Preview July 25, 2024 RACE 1 SUPERNATURAL is the full sister to sharp sprinter Supersession and has shown ability at trials. In her most recent Lark Hill heat the… Read More
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Randwick Preview July 25, 2024 RACE 1 Racing at Randwick on Saturday should be close to being run on a Good rated surface, wouldn’t that be nice. Good looking 2yo… Read More
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Doomben Preview July 25, 2024 RACE 1 Racing at Doomben kicks off with a 1350m 3yo. Nos.1, 2 & 5 all met here a fortnight back running the placings in… Read More
Scott Embry’s Saturday Roebourne Preview July 25, 2024 RACE 1 DE LOVELY LAD had won two of his last three, one at Broome and one at Marble Bar and in between he has… Read More
Scott Embry’s Friday Broome Preview July 25, 2024 RACE 1 SQUILLIONAIRE is a last start winner (beating Ginger Jones) this track/distance/grade. She’s obviously had a set back as she comes into this 7… Read More