Hokko Brave Primed for Melbourne Cup Upset

November 2, 2015

Hokko Brave Primed for Melbourne Cup Upset

Plenty has been made about the chances of clear race favourite Fame Game leading into the 2015 Melbourne Cup, however the trainer of fellow Japanese raider Hokko Brave, Yasutoshi Matsunaga is thrilled with the condition of his runner and is confident he is a winning chance.

Japanese raider Hokko Brave is in great condition ahead of Tuesday's 2015 Melbourne Cup. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Japanese raider Hokko Brave is in great condition ahead of Tuesday’s 2015 Melbourne Cup. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Hokko Brave has been a strong and consistent performer amongst fields boasting some of the world’s best stayers since first appearing on course competitively in 2010; claiming five wins and a further ten minors through 30 career starts.

Hokko Brave was sent off as a $16 chance for success in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) in his first Australian appearance on October 17th, and having settled off the pace of the race’s early leaders, was unable to make up enough ground late owing to the fast tempo set in transit by the likes of Set Square, Magnapal and Royal Descent.

Matsunaga has been thrilled with the work produced by the Marvelous Sunday entire since his arrival in Australia and the benefit he has taken from the Caulfield Cup hit out, and remains very confident his horse is capable of overcoming the talent-rich Melbourne Cup field, including Fame Game.

“The Caulfield Cup was an unfortunate race,” Matsunaga said.

“The pace was not helpful for our horse.

“We believe we can beat Fame Game.”

Hokko Brave produced several impressive efforts through his 2014 racing campaign; running second in the Group 2 Nikkei Sho (2500m) first-up and third in the Group 1 Tenno Sho (3200m) before placing a credible eighth behind the likes of Gold Ship in the Group 1 Takarazuka Kinen (2200m).

Ending the year fifth in the Group 2 Nippon Sho Stayers Stakes (3600m) on December 6th, Hokko Brave returned this year for third in the Nikkei Sho and booked his 2015 Melbourne Cup ticket when charging home late for sixth in the Tenno Sho.

Hokko Brave has been charged with overcoming the wide and somewhat awkward barrier 20 in the 2015 Melbourne Cup, but has been confirmed to be partnered by leading hoop Craig Williams and will carry a very manageable 55.5kgs.

Leading online bookie Ladbrokes.com.au is currently offering the best 2015 Melbourne Cup odds, for which Hokko Brave can be taken at a quote of $41 for success or $11 to finish in the first three.

Racing fields and data are copyright 2011-2021 © Racing Australia Pty Ltd (RA) (and other parties working with it).
Racing materials, including fields, form and results, is subject to copyright which is owned by RA and other parties working with it. Full copyright notice.

Spring Racing

Military Mission Fires in 2023...

Zipping Classic 2023 Field �...

Zipping Classic 2023 Field & Odds Update: Vow And Declare Defends Title

Danny O’Brien’s 2019 Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare continues to show a...

Overpass Heads 2023 Winterbott...

Overpass Heads 2023 Winterbottom Stakes Field & Betting Markets

Bjron Baker’s The Everest performer Overpass is tipped to return to winning...

Osipenko Leads The Gong 2023 R...

Osipenko Leads The Gong 2023 Race Field & Betting

The Chris Waller-trained Pierro four-year-old Osipenko is firm favourite in...

2023 Railway Stakes Field ...

2023 Railway Stakes Field & Betting Update: Tuvalu Narrow Favourite

The Lindsey Smith-trained top-weight Tuvalu is narrow favourite in the latest...

Horse Racing Today

2024 The Galaxy Results: Zapat...

Golden Slipper Results 2024: L...

Golden Slipper Results 2024: Lady Of Camelot Beats Coleman, Storm Boy Third

Co-trainer Gai Waterhouse extended her record to eight victories in the 2024...

2024 George Ryder Stakes Winne...

2024 George Ryder Stakes Winner Veight Beats Older Rivals

Veight joined an elite list of three-year-olds to beat home the older horses...

Rosehill Guineas 2024 Results:...

Rosehill Guineas 2024 Results: Riff Rocket Flies Home Late Ahead of ATC Derby

Chris Waller’s VRC Derby winner from the spring, Riff Rocket, now has the...

2024 Ranvet Stakes Results: Vi...

2024 Ranvet Stakes Results: Via Sistina Too Good Debuting for Waller

Yu Long Investments lucrative European purchase, the now Chris Waller-trained...

Race Results

2024 The Galaxy Results: Zapateo Upsets Sunshine In Paris

Golden Slipper Results 2024: Lady Of Camelot Beats Coleman, Storm Boy Third

Imperatriz Defends Title in 2024 William Reid Stakes

2024 George Ryder Stakes Winner Veight Beats Older Rivals

Rosehill Guineas 2024 Results: Riff Rocket Flies Home Late Ahead of ATC Derby

Race Previews

UK Raider Post Impressionist Heads Tancred Stakes Field & Odds

2024 Australian Cup Field & Betting Update: Pride Of Jenni v Mr Brightside

Golden Slipper 2024 Tips & Betting Update

The Galaxy 2024 Race Field & Odds: Ozzmosis Leads Betting on Slipper Day Sprint

2024 Rosehill Guineas Field & Betting Update: Riff Rocket Set to Take Off

Fields & Form

UK Raider Post Impressionist Heads Tancred Stakes Field & Odds

2024 Australian Cup Field & Betting Update: Pride Of Jenni v Mr Brightside

Golden Slipper 2024 Tips & Betting Update

The Galaxy 2024 Race Field & Odds: Ozzmosis Leads Betting on Slipper Day Sprint

2024 Rosehill Guineas Field & Betting Update: Riff Rocket Set to Take Off