As the countdown to the Adelaide Cup 2017 heats up there has been a notable betting move on the Darren Weir-trained Master Of Arts to salute for the punters at Morphettville this afternoon.

Race favourite Master Of Arts continues to firm in the Adelaide Cup 2017 odds for this afternoon at Morphettville Racecourse. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

Of the bumper field of stayers engaged for this season’s edition of the $400,000 Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m), the best fancied in the markets at Ladbrokes.com.au is Weir’s last start Group 3 Lord Reims Stakes (2600m) winner at the track Master Of Arts.

The grey Mastercraftsman stallion was brought-on fitness wise with a Warrnambool jumps trial over 2400m three days ago and is ticking plenty of boxes ahead of his first test at the two miles.

After opening at Adelaide Cup odds of $4.80, Master Of Arts has firmed right in to $3.80 to become the first winner of the race to come off a lead-up run at the track since the Lord Reims runner-up Rialya went one better in 2012.

Also firming notably in the Adelaide Cup betting markets in from $7.50 to $6.50 is the Robert Hickmott-trained Chance To Dance.

The in-form Teofilo seven-year-old carries the 58kg top weight and comes off a second in the Listed Torney Cup (2500m).

Recent Adelaide Cup history shows the past three winners came off a Melbourne lead-up including the two most recent out of Moonee Valley races.

That bodes well for the veteran Chance To Dance who looks likely to roll forward from his barrier three draw for the Lloyd Williams’ stable known for producing two milers at the right time.

Notable 2017 Adelaide Cup Market Firmers

• #1 Chance To Dance – $7.50 into $6.50
• #2 Master Of Arts – $4.80 into $3.80
• #3 Puccini – $26 into $20
• #15 Darabad – $21 into $14
• #17 Honey Steel’s Gold – $41 into $21

At more generous odds to score an upset Adelaide Cup result, there has also been interest in the Wayne Walters-trained Encosta De Lago stallion Puccini.

The galloper ran a quarter-length second to Master Of Arts in the Lord Reims last time out carrying 55kg as a $41 roughie and could prove overs in the markets again backed in from $26 to $20.

Also getting plenty of love from the punters are fellow roughie hopes Darabad ($21 into $14) and the Lindsay Park-trained hurdler Honey Steel’s Gold ($41 into $21).

Drawn the rails with Noel Callow to ride is the Robbie Laing-trained European import Darabad having his first run down under.

A black-type winner over the mile and a half in France and Group 2 performed during September last year, he comes off a winning trial at Cranbourne from earlier in the month and looks well-weighted for his Australian debut.

Honey Steel’s Gold meanwhile is the Races.com.au 2017 Adelaide Cup Winner Tip for last year’s saluting stable.

Drawn gate four, the Morphettville specialist (4-2-0-1) has the staying ability over two miles (5-2-1-1) proven with the jumps’ record and is looking to continue his also strong flat track form this afternoon.

The major drift in the markets meanwhile is on Annus Mirabilis ($6 out to $8), the Stuart Webb-trained galloper possibly eyeing off a 2017 Sydney Cup run next month at Royal Randwick.

Check out the latest Adelaide Cup 2017 betting odds below before placing your bets online at Ladbrokes.com.au.