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Earlier in the picture the Michael Bell-trained UK raider Big Orange was shaping up as one of the most overs in Melbourne Cup betting and even with a notable money train rolling in for him he still looks a juicy 2016 Melbourne Cup tip.
When the official field for Tuesday’s $6.2 million Group 1 Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) was first released on Saturday, Big Orange was offered at Melbourne Cup odds of $18 through Ladbrokes.com.au.
The British-trained Duke Of Marmalade gelding has been well-supported early into $14 for the win.
He race in the ‘race that stops a nation’ 12 months ago and finished only 2.4 lengths off the upset Melbourne Cup winner Prince Of Penzance for fifth.
Just outside the Melbourne Cup First Four, the galloper returns for a second shot at taking out a ‘Loving Trophy’ for connections.
He has won twice since including the Group 2 Goodwood Cup (3219m) in late July under 61kg.
Big Orange is equal Melbourne Cup top weight this spring with Our Ivanhowe, but the 57kg is still very manageable for this dour stayer.
Bell is confident he is saddling-up the best of the British raiders in this year’s Cup field and is tipping Big Orange as over the odds for Tuesday’s iconic staying showdown.
“He has to buck a trend and no British horse has won [the Melbourne Cup] and he has top weight and there are factors against him, but we have an enormous confidence in the horse’s ability and I think if this was a handicap with the English horses he would probably be favourite,” Bell told The Daily Telegraph.
“I can’t factor in Hartnell, Jameka and Almandin but I would say if this race was run in England at these weights against Wicklow Brave and Bondi Beach, in my mind, [Big Orange] would be an even money favourite.”
Melbourne Cup history shows that a lead-up run in Australia before taking to the track is crucial for a horse’s winning chances, but can this genuine two miler buck the hoodoo and salute at the nice price in Melbourne Cup betting?
Barrier: 7
Weight: 57kg (Equal Top Weight)
Jockey: Jamie Spencer
Trainer: Michael Bell
Owner/s: Mr W J Gredley, Mr T C O Gredley
Age: 6YO
Gender: Gelding
Breeding: by Duke Of Marmalade (IRE) from Miss Brown To You (IRE)
Career: 18-7-2-1
Win: 39%
Place: 56%
Last 6: 23x11x
Prize Money: $1,495,511
Track: 1-0-0-0
Distance: 6-2-1-0
Current 2016 Melbourne Cup Odds: $14
Think Big Orange is worth an Each Way Melbourne Cup bet? Back him for the Win at Odds Boost with Ladbrokes.com.au and the Place to cover your bases now!
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