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| Sumita Pawar |
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It's that time of year again, when the Melbourne Cup captivates our attention. In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know about the horses competing in this prestigious race, helping you choose a winner that will truly make an impact on the nation.
Gold Trip: After last year's Melbourne Cup win, this horse has added a Turnbull Stakes win and Caulfield Cup placing to their record. However, their weight increase and the rarity of back-to-back wins make their chances uncertain.
Alenquer: Despite being a one-time boom import, this horse has struggled in their five runs for Mike Moroney. Their most recent start at The Valley was inconclusive, and they will need to improve significantly to have a chance in this race.
Without A Fight:Trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, this import has brought their impressive Queensland form to Melbourne this spring, winning the G1 Caulfield Cup in their last start.
Breakup: This Japanese stayer was one-paced in the straight and needs to show significant improvement in this race. Their second-up record suggests that they are capable of doing so.
Vauban: As this year's favourite, Vauban has won 50% of their 14 starts and dominated at Group Three level in their last start. However, they will need to prove themselves at the highest level in this race.
Soulcombe:
Although they have looked brilliant in their wins, this Chris Waller-trained import has mixed their form and struggled with poor starts. Their recent performances at Group One level have been solid, but they will need to show more to challenge in this race.
Absurde: This Irish raider won the Ebor at York in their last start but needs to find a few lengths to beat Vauban, who they lost to at Ascot earlier this year.
Right Your Are: This ultra-genuine galloper needs to improve significantly to challenge the horses that finished ahead of them in the Caulfield Cup. This will be their first race beyond 2400m.
Vow & Declare: Since winning this event four years ago, this rejuvenated veteran has experienced both ups and downs. Their second-place finish to Alligator Blood at WFA level two starts ago was impressive.
Cleveland: Although this Lloyd Williams-owned import was Group Three-placed overseas, they were soundly beaten in the St Leger before winning the Moonee Valley Gold Cup in their last start.
Ashrun: This import has been good in their three starts back from a long spell and will appreciate the rise to 3200m fourth-up. They carry 1.5kg less than they did in last year's Cup.
Daqiansweet Junior: Although their form since last year's Cup has been unimpressive, this former Kiwi has improved with each run this campaign and will benefit from a distance of 2500m+.
Okita Soushi: This Joseph O'Brien-trained raider failed to fire in the Caulfield Cup after drifting back from a wide gate. His form suggests we are unlikely to see a challenge from this quarter.
Sheraz: This French-bred Waller import has struggled in their recent form, finishing unplaced in their last six outings. They also come into this race with a slight injury concern.
Lastotchka: This pint-sized mare won over 3100m at Longchamp in September and is now with Price and Kent. With her light weight, she is likely to race close to the speed.
Magical Lagoon: Although this imported Waller-trained mare led in the Geelong Cup last start, they faded late to finish 6th. They will need to show significant improvement to challenge in this race.
Military Mission: The Waterhouse and Bott-trained gelding has been consistent since resuming in August, but the distance is a complete unknown. They have had five consecutive runs at 2000m+ and should be fit for this race.
Serpentine: Although this on-pacer has found consistent form since last year's Cup, they will need to go to another level to challenge the favourites.
Virtuous Circle: This is Derby runner-up has struggled in their four starts this campaign, finishing no closer than 8th. They were most unlucky in the Bart Cummings two starts ago but very disappointing in the Geelong Cup last start.
More Felons: This Waller-trained import was excellent in their Australian debut in the Geelong Cup. However, it remains to be seen whether that form will hold up in this race.
Future History: Although this Maher and Eustace-trained import has improved with racing since June, a change of tactics cost them victory in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup. It was a race they didn't need to win.
Interpretation: This member of the Maher and Eustace Cup army won the Bendigo Cup in their last start. They have been up since July and have mixed their form in lesser grades.
Kalapour: This Kris Lees-trained gelding won their way into the Cup with a victory in the Lexus Stakes. A superb frontrunning ride from Oliver got them home, and they should be fresh for this race.
True Marvel: This veteran stayer hasn't won on the flat since 2021 and looks unlikely to challenge in this race.