Vauban’s odds shorten for the Melbourne Cup
Irish trainer Willie Mullins says Vauban is his best chance and possibly the best he will ever have to win the Melbourne Cup.
Vauban came up with barrier three in the draw for Tuesday's Group 1 Handicap over 3200m and has shortened into $3.20, firming from $3.50 with betting sites before the final Melbourne Cup field was declared on Saturday.
Mullins' first assignment after flying in from Ireland on Saturday was to head to the Werribee International Horse Centre to watch over Vauban and stablemate Absurde do their final piece of fast work before Tuesday's race.
"I'm very pleased with both of them," Mullins said.
"Both horses seem good and well and sound.
"I think he's as good as Max Dynamite, maybe better, but we'll find that out on Tuesday.
"He's our strongest chance and may be my strongest chance ever."
Max Dynamite has been Mullins' best finish in the Melbourne Cup, running second to Prince Of Penzance in the 2015 edition.
Vauban heads the betting on the Melbourne Cup ahead of last year's winner Gold Trip at $4.40 after the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained galloper drew barrier two.
Besides Gold Trip, Maher and Eustace will be represented by Right You Are, Ashrun, Future History and Interpretation while the Chris Waller, who won the Cup with Verry Elleegant in 2021, will have four runners – Soulcombe, Sheraz, Magical Lagoon and More Felons.
Vow And Declare, the 2019 Cup winner, will line up for his fourth shot at the race and drew barrier 19.
He came from gate 21 when successful.
Damien Oliver, chasing a fourth Melbourne Cup in his last ride, will partner Alenquer , who drew barrier nine and is a $51 chance to give the champion jockey a fairytale result.
Trainer Mike Moroney said it will be special moment to be associated with Oliver at his last appearance in The Cup.
"It would great to be a part of his fairytale," Moroney said.
"I think this is his 32nd ride, I've had 24 runners, so we're both seasoned, you could say."
Moroney said this year's Cup looks a bit stronger than last year's edition having finished second with Emissary behind Goold Trip.
More Racing News
Midnight Dynamite's Path to the Big Dance After Rosehill Win
Connections of Midnight Dynamite are keen to see the horse contest a $3 million prize following his commanding performance in the Winter Challenge at Rosehill.Having added Saturday's stakes race to his triumph in last month's Listed Civic Stakes (1400m), the gelding is now slated for the Coffs Harbour Cup (1600m)...
Bold Soul's future may be over jumps after Flemington success
Connections have found Bold Soul, trained by Patrick Payne, to be a good earner on the flat, but his future might be better suited to hurdles.Bold Soul secured the Deane Lester Flemington Cup 1849 (2800m) at Flemington on Saturday, adding to his seven prior wins from 33 starts and boosting...
Sword Of Legacy's determined win follows Band Of Brothers' Ramornie success
Matthew Dunn's stable has enjoyed a prosperous week, capped by Sword Of Legacy's hard-fought victory at Rosehill. This triumph arrived just three days after Band Of Brothers, carrying the same lime, purple, and gold Hesket Thoroughbreds silks of David Moodie, captured the Ramornie Handicap at Grafton.Sword Of Legacy, sent out...
Ko Phangan claims Byerley Handicap at Flemington
The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stable continues its impressive run in qualifying races for Classic contenders with Ko Phangan's recent victory at Flemington.Ko Phangan's win in the Byerley Handicap (1800m) secures a coveted ballot exemption for either the Victoria Derby (2500m) or the VRC Oaks (2500m) during the Melbourne...
Joint Venture earns carnival ticket with Rosehill triumph
A late-developing two-year-old, Joint Venture, is now in contention for the initial three-year-old feature races after securing a crucial win at Rosehill.The impeccably bred son of I Am Invincible, a $625,000 yearling acquisition for the Newgate stallions syndicate, displayed significant progress from his debut second at Wyong, asserting his class...
Betwitchery ready to extend winning streak first-up
Betwitchery is set to extend her winning sequence as she makes her return to the racetrack at Flemington.The Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin-trained mare is scheduled to begin her new racing campaign in the VRC Member Brendan Sobozynski Plate, a 1200-metre contest, this Saturday.Betwitchery, who has won five...
Littlefield targets Magnolia Cup after Flemington engagements
Trainer Charlotte Littlefield is scheduled to travel back to the UK in approximately a week to participate in a charity race at the renowned Glorious Goodwood Festival.The Magnolia Cup is a distinguished charity event this year supporting Education Above All. It aims to gather funds to ensure access to education,...
General Salute set for Winter Challenge under favourable wet conditions
The arrival of overnight rain has alleviated Sterling Alexiou's primary concern regarding General Salute's prospects in the final black-type race of the Sydney season, following his recent victory in the Winter Stakes.All four of the gelding's previous wins have been recorded on rain-affected tracks. Earlier in the week, with Rosehill...
Burning Heartz set for Adelaide Stakes test
Trainer Gavin Bedggood envisions a future for Burning Heartz in an Oaks race, but his immediate goal is to secure some valuable Stakes black type for the filly.Burning Heartz, a winner on debut at Sandown on July 1, is now heading to Adelaide to contest the Group 3 South Australian...
King Pedro defies odds in thrilling Grafton Cup victory
King Pedro has cemented his credentials for the spring staying races following an exceptional display to win the Listed Grafton Cup, navigating a slow-paced affair.Trainer Tom Charlton, observing from his Sydney base, admitted to initial apprehension regarding the track's bias against backmarkers. These nerves were amplified when Tahlia Fenlon, on...