He is one of the early market movers in 2021 Melbourne Cup betting but can the in-form improver Floating Artist take out the $8 million event for master trainers of stayers Ciaron Maher & David Eustace?

Floating Artist profiles as a light-weight chance to upset the favourite in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup 2021. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
The Maher/Eustace stable are having a pearler in the staying ranks around the country, especially in Victoria, and now they look to claim Australian racing’s biggest race – the iconic Group 1 $8 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m).
The team saddle-up four Melbourne Cup horses with: triple Derby champion Explosive Jack ($34), last start Caulfield Cup third placegetter Persan ($26), The Bart Cummings winner Grand Promenade ($15) and the consistent Floating Artist also rated a $15 chance in the latest Melbourne Cup odds at Ladbrokes.com.au.
One of the final few to secure a spot having sat outside the Top 24 right up until Saturday, this six-year-old remains lightly-raced having just his 17th career start in the famous Flemington Race 7.
Performing well in lower grade races in the lead-up, his last start saw him go down the barest of margins in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) on Cox Plate Day.
Is that the form to follow into the Melbourne Cup or is Floating Artist destined to be left drifting?
Barrier: 10
Weight: 50kg
Jockey: Teodore Nugent (a)
Trainer: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
Owner/s: Seymour Bloodstock, Mr D I Hollyman, Grand Parkview Stud, Mr F J Welsford, Mrs S J Welsford, Mr G J P Van Ameyden, Encore Mission, Mr T C Eddy, Mr W J Ford, Mr W R J Gabbert, Mr P D Rossdale, Mr J M Simmons, Ms S M Fitzgerald, Murumba Racing, Mr F W Cook, Mrs C M Cook, P K & A W Racing
Age: 6yo
Gender: Gelding
Breeding: by NATHANIEL (IRE) from MISS KENTON (IRE)
Career: 16-5:2:1
Win: 31.25%
Place: 50%
Last 10: x55x011132
Prize Money: $479,018
Track: 1:1-0-0
Distance: 0:0-0-0
Current 2021 Melbourne Cup Odds*: $15
Why Floating Artist Has Claims in the 2021 Melbourne Cup
- From the right stable with Maher/Eustace so good at training stayers
- Barrier 10 looks a lovely gate
- Has upside as a six-year-old with just 16 starts
- Previous winning form at Flemington
- European import won at Ascot in the UK over a mile and a half carrying 60kg earlier in his career
- Powered through the line at The Valley in the Vase last start over 2500m when beaten a nostril-flare off a luckless run
- Improving each run and presents rock-hard fit
Why Floating Artist Won’t Be the Melbourne Cup 2021 Winner
- No Melbourne Cup winner since Rogan Josh (1999) has carried just 50kg to victory
- This is a tough test for apprentice jockey Teodore Nugent
- Has won of the weaker Win rates of the better chances (31.25%)
- Under $500,000 in prize money
- Yet to win over further than 2406m
- Longest-distanced start was 2847m in the UK when fifth beaten six lengths (albeit carrying 61.5kg)
Think Floating Artist presents a touch of value in the Melbourne Cup tips this year? Head to Ladbrokes.com.au to lock in your selections at the right price!
*Note: 2021 Melbourne Cup odds are correct at time of publish, provided by Ladbrokes.com.au and subject to change without notice.