LEXUS MELBOURNE CUP
Results
DEAUVILLE LEGEND (8) has a profile similar to recent Cup winners Rekindling and Cross Counter. Has gone from strength-to-strength over the UK season and his win the Great Voltigeur at York last time makes for top reading. The last five winners of the Voltigeur have gone on to win at the top level and Deauville Legend looked capable of making that six as he stormed away to win with authority. Had Cox Plate third in the same spot there giving the form a nice look here in Australia. From the locals, MONTEFILIA (4) was the eye catcher when fourth in the Caulfield Cup. Big run and her heavy track Ranvet Stakes win says rain will be of little concern to her. YOUNG WERTHER (11) could be sneaking under the radar. Placed in the Turnbull and now meets Gold Trip 3.5kg better at the weights from when they hit the line together in the Cox Plate. GOLD TRIP (1) didn't have the smoothest passage there and was terrific in the Caulfield Cup. Soft ground and two miles looks a good scenario for him.
Visit TAB.COM.AUDEAUVILLE LEGEND (8) has a profile similar to recent Cup winners Rekindling and Cross Counter. Has gone from strength-to-strength over the UK season and his win the Great Voltigeur at York last time makes for top reading. The last five winners of the Voltigeur have gone on to win at the top level and Deauville Legend looked capable of making that six as he stormed away to win with authority. Had Cox Plate third in the same spot there giving the form a nice look here in Australia. From the locals, MONTEFILIA (4) was the eye catcher when fourth in the Caulfield Cup. Big run and her heavy track Ranvet Stakes win says rain will be of little concern to her. YOUNG WERTHER (11) could be sneaking under the radar. Placed in the Turnbull and now meets Gold Trip 3.5kg better at the weights from when they hit the line together in the Cox Plate. GOLD TRIP (1) didn't have the smoothest passage there and was terrific in the Caulfield Cup. Soft ground and two miles looks a good scenario for him.
Strong contender from the Maher-Eustace stable. A 6yo in peak form who ran an excellent race two back when 2nd 0.2L to Durston at Caulfield (Caulfield Cup, Group1) over 2400m often a good guide to this race. Backed up in the G1 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley over 2040m and did not have the best of luck when a 3L 9th to Anamoe. Missed out running in this race twelve months ago (Stewards ruling) but looks an even better chance this year. Hard to hold out.
Although safely held in her races this preparation she has not been far away from the winner and again last start she was 8th only 2.5L to Durston at Caulfield (Caulfield Cup, Group1) 2400m after coming from 16th with 400m left to run. Two starts back she ran an even race when 8th 2.7L behind Smokin' Romans at Flemington (Turnbull Stakes, SWP-G1) 2000m. As a Group 1 winner at Weight For Age she is proven in top company. Each way claims.
Proven at 3200m after winning the G1 Sydney Cup at Randwick on a heavy track last April and trained to the minute by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. Maintained his good recent form last start when he finished 3rd 1L to Durston at Caulfield (Caulfield Cup, Group1) 2400m. Before that on Oct 1 he finished 4th 1.7L to Smokin' Romans at Flemington (Turnbull Stakes, SWP-G1) 2000m. Genuine and race conditions should suit. Solid each-way chance.
Trained by the Sydney based David Payne this 5yo mare seems ready to peak at exactly the right time. When having her third run from a spell last start she ran on powerfully, and quickly, to finish 4th 1.1L to Durston at Caulfield (Caulfield Cup, Group1) 2400m. Before that on Oct 1 she looked good running 3rd 5.3L to Cascadian at Randwick (Hill Stakes, WFA-G2) 2000m. Already a multiple Group 1 winner she appeals here as a genuine contender. Rates a real chance.
Fought on well when a close up 5th 1.2L to Durston at Caulfield (Caulfield Cup, Group1) 2400m after being one of the front runners during the race. Two starts back he carried 59kg on a heavy track and finished 2nd 3.3L to Cascadian at Randwick (Hill Stakes, WFA-G2) 2000m. Has a very astute trainer in Annabel Neasham but he has not won beyond 2200m and the run down the long straight here could fully test. Not the roughest, but tested.
One of the top International visitors set for this race he is a quality 6yo with some good recent form to his credit. Last start, when resuming off an11 weeks break he ran a gallant 2nd 2.3L to Siskany at Newmarket (Listed) over 2414m. Prior to that had won back to back races over 2816m - Silver Cup (G3) at York and Race to the Ebor Cup (LR) at York. Genuine having won 7 from 17, and a proven stayer, he appeals here. Hard to beat.
This gelding from Ireland is having his first Australian start in this race and his first run since September 11. Last start he was resuming from an 11 weeks spell when he finished 8th 20.5L behind Kyprios at Curragh (WFA-G1) 2816m. Before that he had won the Curragh Cup (G2) over 2816m on June 24. Although a proven stayer, and in the capable hands of Ben and J D Hayes, he faces a task here, One of the marginal chances.
This UK-trained visitor is a lightly raced 4yo with an ideal race profile for the Cup, given the results of recent years. The winner of 3 of 7 starts - two in Group company - and to 2615m he looks a stayer of genuine potential. His effort last start to win the G2 Great Voltiguer Stakes over 2400m at York is noteworthy as the 3rd placegetter in that race (El Bodegon) franked the form with a 3rd in the G1 Cox Plate last Saturday. Seems certain to give a great sight. The one to beat.
In an unusual move this 6yo gelding had his final lead-up race in Sydney on Saturday before heading to Flemington for the big race. In Saturday's race he ran on solidly to finish 8th 2.7L to Star of India in the Rosehill Cup over 2000m without threatening. Before that run he had defeated Arapaho by 1.8L at Randwick (SW&P) over 2600m. That form puts him outside the main chances in the Big One. Others are stronger.
Been there, done that, this 7yo gelding is seeking to repeat his 2019 win in this great race. Despite being off the scene for nearly 12 months his form since returning has been sound. Most recently he was a close up 6th 1.9L to Durston at Caulfield (Caulfield Cup, Group1) 2400m. Two starts back he did well when 5th 1.2L to Lunar Flare at Flemington (Bart Cummings Handicap, Group3) 2510m. Seems to be finding his old form. One of the chances.
This 5yo gelding has run some good races in the past without winning (2nd and 3rd in the AJC and Vic Derbys) but has still only won 1 race from 14 starts. Last start he was not disgraced when 10th but beaten only 3.1L by Anamoe at Moonee Valley (Cox Plate, WFA-G1) 2040m. Two runs back was 3rd 1.6L, Smokin' Romans at Flemington (Turnbull Stakes, SWP-G1) 2000m. Fully fit and ready to run but does face a task. Perhaps another minor.
Now with Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott this lightly raced 4yo has form that reads well for this assignment. With a 2nd placing in this years G1 English Derby to his credit he then went on to win over 2816m at Goodwood in the G3 March Stakes. Most recently was 8th 9L to Eldar Eldarov at Doncaster in the St Leger (3YO-G1) 2921m. Potentially a stayer of genuine quality he gets his chance to make his mark here. Expecting a bold effort.
Last Saturday this 2020 G1 Epsom Derby winner ran his best race so far since arriving in Australia when a fighting 2nd 1L to Surefire in the 2500m G3 Lexus Archer Stakes at Flemington. Previously was 10th 15.6L behind Francesco Guardi at Moonee Valley (Moonee Valley Gold Cup, SWP-G2) 2500m. If he can back up quickly would be a contender on his best form. Watch the betting.
This 5yo gelding came off a 24 days break to win the 3200m G2 Adelaide Cup in March and here he will be returning after a similar break. Having his fourth run from a five months spell he should be race fit and ready. Has been thereabouts in his races since returning. Might lack the 'class' of some other runners but is genuine and can stay the distance. One for the exotics.
Back for another attempt after a creditable 6th in this race last year. Ran an even race last start when 4th 11.7L behind the easy winner Francesco Guardi at Moonee Valley (Moonee Valley Gold Cup, SWP-G2) 2500m. Before that was a somewhat unlucky 9th 3.6L to Saracen Knight at Caulfield (Herbert Power Stakes, Group2) 2400m. Tries hard but this this race again looks a big ask. Prefer others.
Has some useful recent form but mostly in races well below the quality of this event. On Oct 15 he ran on solidly for 2nd 1.8L to Stockman at Randwick (SW&P) 2600m. On Oct 1 was 8th 2.7L, No Compromise at Randwick (Metropolitan Handicap, Group1) 2400m. Yet to win beyond 2350m or in better than Group 3 company. Looking elsewhere.
Has won two of his four starts this preparation, the most recent being a strong finishing win over Surefire at Geelong (Geelong Cup, Group3) 2400m and Surefire franked that form by winning the Lexus Archer Stakes last Saturday. Prior to that he turned in a solid effort when 8th 3.5L to Saracen Knight at Caulfield (Herbert Power Stakes, Group2) 2400m. Has peaked at the right time and he should be running on at the finish. Worth considering.
She won the 2021 G2 Moonee Valley Cup and ran second in the same race at her last start on Oct 22 when beaten 3.8L by Francesco Guardi at Moonee Valley (Moonee Valley Gold Cup, SWP-G2) 2500m. Before that she narrowly defeated Francesco Guardi at Flemington (Bart Cummings Handicap, Group3) 2510m. Despite being a genuine racehorse this 7yo mare does face a tougher task here. Prefer as place chance.
Currently racing in career best form and on that form would be a contender ... if he can run out a strong 3200m. Started favourite when a close up 7th 2.3L to Durston at Caulfield (Caulfield Cup, Group1) 2400m and looked to have his chance. Two starts back he impressed when a 1.5L winner over Maximal at Flemington (Turnbull Stakes, SWP-G1) but that was over only 2000m. Likely to give a great sight and if he can stay the 3200m could be right in the finish. Keep safe
This 6yo mare was rated a chance in this race last year but finished well back after suffering lacerations in the run. However, her form this time in has not been up to the standard of 2021. Last start she was 13th 4.1L Durston at Caulfield (Caulfield Cup, Group1) 2400m after starting at $51. Before that she finished a well beaten 14th 8.8L to Emissary at Caulfield (Heatherlie Stakes, Listed) 1700m. Lacks appeal
Will race in the famous colours of legendary owner Lloyd Williams (7 Melbourne Cup wins) but his form recently has been disappointing. On Oct 8 he finished 14th 6.1L Saracen Knight at Caulfield (Herbert Power Stakes, Group2) 2400m and before that was resuming when a fair 9th 4.8L to High Emocean at Flemington (Open) 2500m. Running well below his best form and will need to improve sharply to figure here. Looks safely held.
This solid stayer has won five races at 2400m or longer and under a light weight could run out this 3200m better than some. Most recently was favourite when he defeated Port Philip by a head at Bendigo (Bendigo Cup, Group3) 2400m. Two back was 6th 1.4L to Lunar Flare at Flemington (Bart Cummings Handicap, Group3) 2510m. Lightweight chance.
With a light weight and having the ability to stay this 5yo could be one to add value for some multiples players. Last time out in the 2400m Geelong Cup he was 6th 4.1L when having his fourth run since arriving from France. In France he was competitive in Group company and won at 2816m. A soft track won't hinder. Useful outsider in exotics.
Is proven to 2800m here at Flemington and at her last start was a game 3rd 0.2L to No Compromise at Randwick (Metropolitan Handicap, Group1) 2400m. Two back was 3rd 7L, Cadre Du Noir at Randwick (City Tattersalls Club Cup, Listed) 2400m. Could be handy in the run but may be outclassed in the drive to the finish. Will need to improve.