Former Godolphin galloper Lieder is set to be crowned the 2017 Darwin Cup winner at Fannie Bay Racecourse in the Northern Territory next Monday.

Royal Request has firmed onto the third line of Darwin Cup betting markets. Photo: Jenny Barnes

That is the tale of the tape in early 2017 Darwin Cup betting markets with leading online bookie Ladbrokes.com.au, where the four-year-old remains sole occupant of the top line at $4 odds.

Lieder began his racing career under the guidance of John O’Shea in early 2015 and has subsequently posted a credible four wins and nine minors, throughout his twenty-five competitive starts.

Passing through the Queensland stables of Steve O’Dea before being transferred to the care of Michael Hickmott at Murray Bridge in March this year, the Street Cry gelding made his first start on the Darwin dirt for fifth in the Ben & Sarah For Breakfast BM75 (1600m) on July 8^th.

Working to the line well to finish third in the Buntine Handicap (1900m) on July 22^nd, Lieder will undoubtedly relish a step-up to 2000m and appears as though he will be difficult to beat in the 2017 Darwin Cup.

Billet Doux is a proven performer on the track and at the distance and represents terrific value at current Darwin Cup odds of $4.60.

Billet Doux has form around several strong horses this year and will carry winning form into the Darwin Cup on Monday.

Clearly enjoying the conditions when a comfortable winner of the Heart Foundation Handicap (1600m) in his first start at Darwin on June 24^th, the Al Maher gelding weathered a tough run in transit before finishing fourth in the Darwin Guineas (1600m) on July 8^th.

Firming into favouritism prior to jump in the NT Derby (2000m) on July 22^nd, Billet Doux was far too good for his three-year-old rivals and pulled clear late to post a dominant four length win.

The three-year-old is rock-hard fit and should prove extremely tough to beat under the conditions of the Darwin Cup.

Royal Request will have his fourth Darwin Cup start on Monday afternoon and is the sole occupant of the third line of betting at $5.50 odds.

Royal Request appears to be peaking in form at the ideal time, having taken benefit from his first two runs before posting consecutive wins in the Asian United Food Service Handicap (1600m) and the Metric Mile (1600m) most recently.

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