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| Staff Writer |
A capacity field of domestic and international stayers is set for Tuesday's Gr.1 Melbourne Cup, where US$8.56m in prize money has attracted runners from across the globe to compete over the testing two-mile course at Flemington. The 164th running of this historic contest presents a fascinating clash of established staying talent and emerging stars.
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Willie Mullins leads the overseas charge with top weight Vauban, who returns seeking redemption after last year's 14th place finish. The seven-year-old has hit peak form at the right time, demonstrating his class with a commanding victory in the Group Two Lonsdale Cup at York under William Buick, who retains the ride. Stablemate Absurde, who finished a creditable seventh in 2023's renewal, brings compelling European form and partners with three-time Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy.
British trainer Brian Ellison fields impressive Geelong Cup winner Onesmoothoperator, who stormed to victory on his Australian debut under Craig Williams. The American-bred gelding demonstrated his stamina credentials with that commanding performance over 2400m, suggesting further improvement when stepped up in trip. Fellow raider Sea King, trained by Harry Eustace, announced his own credentials with a dominant Bendigo Cup success under Hollie Doyle, earning a late ticket to the big race.
Chris Waller fields a powerful quintet, headed by Buckaroo, whose Underwood Stakes victory and subsequent Caulfield Cup second stamp him as a leading contender under Joao Moreira. The master trainer also saddles Metropolitan winner Land Legend, Cox Plate participant Kovalica, the progressive Valiant King, and former Victoria Derby winner Manzoice, highlighting the stable's remarkable depth.
Sydney Cup winner Circle Of Fire, one of several runners for Ciaron Maher, brings proven two-mile form to the table. The Queen Elizabeth II-bred stayer seeks to provide jockey Mark Zahra with a remarkable third consecutive Melbourne Cup victory. The stable's strong hand also includes Moonee Valley Gold Cup victor Okita Soushi, promising stayer Saint George, last year's sixth-placed Interpretation, and Fancy Man.
Japanese contender Warp Speed, trained by Noboru Takagi, brings high-class form including a creditable fourth in the prestigious Tenno Sho. The nation seeks its first Melbourne Cup success since Delta Blues in 2006, and this six-year-old has the credentials to challenge.
The New Zealand challenge is particularly strong this year, with Group One winner Sharp 'N' Smart representing Graeme & Deborah Rogerson, the progressive Positivity for Andrew Forsman, and the capable Trust In You for Bruce Wallace & Grant Cooksley all bringing strong staying form from across the Tasman.
Godolphin's representative Zardozi, trained by James Cummings, brings high-class staying form including a placing in The Metropolitan. Fellow mare The Map flies the flag for Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray, having earned her spot through victory in the Andrew Ramsden Stakes.
John O'Shea and Tom Charlton's Athabascan secured his place through a determined St Leger success at Randwick, while Queensland visitor Knight's Choice represents John Symons & Sheila Laxon, aiming to recapture his best form at the highest level.
The depth of the field is further enhanced by Just Fine, trained by the legendary Gai Waterhouse in partnership with Adrian Bott, who earned his place through victory in The Bart Cummings. The Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young-trained Mostly Cloudy brings proven stamina credentials to the table, having placed in several staying tests throughout the season.
The demanding 3200m circuit at Flemington provides a unique test, with the long straight often proving decisive in the closing stages. Recent rainfall has ensured testing conditions, which could play into the hands of the European-trained contingent, traditionally well-versed in handling softer ground.
The weight scale, ranging from Vauban's 58.5kg to several runners carrying just 50kg, adds another fascinating dimension to the contest. History shows that a manageable weight is often crucial over this testing trip, particularly for younger horses tackling the distance for the first time.
The international contingent faces the additional challenge of adapting to Australian conditions and the unique tempo of southern hemisphere racing. However, the recent success of overseas runners suggests this hurdle is far from insurmountable, with several of this year's raiders having already demonstrated their ability to adapt through impressive lead-up performances.
This year's renewal promises to showcase the very best of international staying talent, with form lines converging from prestigious races across multiple continents. From the Moonee Valley Gold Cup and The Metropolitan, through to international Group race form from Europe and Japan, the winner will need to produce a performance worthy of this historic contest's status as one of the world's premier staying events.
The race that stops a nation looks set to deliver another memorable chapter in its rich history, with victory potentially heading to any of several continents in what shapes as a truly global sporting spectacle. The strength in depth of the field ensures that whoever emerges victorious will have earned their place among the legends of this famous race.