Unusual Suspect has been at the centre of a big betting plunge on the 2011 Melbourne Cup as the dust settles on a very interesting 2011 Caulfield Cup.

With the winner, Southern Speed, unlikely to continue to the first Tuesday in November punters are looking further back in the field to find a horse they think fits the bill for the two mile Flemington feature event.

The Caulfield Cup has long been the main form line for the Melbourne Cup but in 2011 that status was tested.

With a host of horses heading for other events such as the Moonee Valley Cup or the Geelong Cup it was said that the Caulfield Cup could be losing its relevance.

In reality though it appears as if it’s as strong as ever with big money coming in for those that were running on at the death.

Unusual Suspect made his case the strongest by recording the best closing sectionals for any horse.

He ran out the last 1000m in 59.96 and was the only horse to break 36 seconds for the last 600m.

He also put in the quickest final 400m and 200m making him a prime Melbourne Cup candidate.

Further pushing his claims are the fact he did it on a tight Caulfield track and was battling his way through traffic at the same time.

In fact for a long way up the straight Unusual Suspect didn’t even have a clear run.

Punters are coming for him in the hope he’s on the improve to the form that saw him win the G1 Hollywood Park Turf Cup in California last year and trainer Mick Kent seems to agree.

“He ran a great race,” Kent said.

“He has a great chance in the Melbourne Cup as the two miles will suit him and he will really enjoy racing at Flemington.”

Michael Sullivan from SportingBet says in combination with fellow import Manighar they’ve been the best backed Melbourne Cup runners since Saturday.

“We took a bet of $5000 at $31 on Unusual Suspect and $5000 at $35 on Manighar amongst a number of other good sized bets, Sullivan said.

“Both horses were impressive and should be suited by the two miles and the big Flemington track.

“They are now sitting at $21 and it wouldn’t surprise if they continued to shorten up.”

They are not the only ones to had some Melbourne Cup interest though with the second placed Green Moon also shortening drastically.

It’s the same story for Lucas Cranach which defied injury concerns to finish fifth.

“Green Moon was super impressive in the Caulfield Cup and was the big shortener coming in from $21 while Lucas Cranach has been rock solid after running fifth despite injury problems on Saturday,” Sullivan said.

Your next chance to see Unusual Suspect in action before the 2011 Melbourne Cup will be when he contests the Mackinnon in two weeks time.

In some great news through Luxbet if you want to back him they are continuing to lay him at better odds than any other bookie.

In fact right now you can still get a juicy $31 for Unusual Suspect in the 2011 Melbourne Cup!

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