2022 MELBOURNE CUP UPDATE: LUNAR FLARE SCRATCHED, 22 LEFT

2022 MELBOURNE CUP UPDATE: POINT NEPEAN SCRATCHED, 23 LEFT 

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The 162nd edition of the ‘race that stops a nation’ will be run and won when Flemington Race 7 kicks off at 3:00pm (AEDT) on Tuesday and there are a host of  Melbourne Cup 2022 horses to analyse.

The time-honoured Group 1 $7.75 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) field has attracted a top-class line-up of stayers including international raiders Deauville Legend and Without A Fight who head the markets at Ladbrokes.com.au.

The mares are in force with the likes of Duais, Montefilia and Bendigo Cup winner High Emocean all out to emulate the 2021 victory of Verry Elleegant.

Gold Trip contests his third of the ‘Big 3’ spring majors carrying the 57.5kg top-weight, while the 2019 winner Vow And Declare chases a second Melbourne Cup trophy for the cabinet.

With plenty of stories and form lines to follow into Australia’s best race, we’ve got a full rundown on every horse in this year’s Melbourne Cup field for the punters below!

When you’ve found the Melbourne Cup winner, head over to Ladbrokes.com.au to lock in the top odds on this year’s race.

1. GOLD TRIP

• Breeding: by OUTSTRIP (GB)  from SARVANA (FR)
• Age/Gender: 6YO horse
• Trainers: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
• Jockey: Mark Zahra
• Weight: 57.5kg (Top Weight)
• Barrier: 14 (into 13)
• Owners: Australian Bloodstock, Mr J W Woodbridge, Whitegate Pastoral, Roth Brogan, Gold Trip, Surf Coast Racing, Mr S J Pellegrino, Mr B G Taylor, Mr M J Belford, Mr J Garvey, Mr N A Greenhalgh, Mrs M T Greenhalgh, Mr C H Madden, Mystery Downs, Mrs C M Cook, Mr B J Nally, Werrett Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Mr L Caminiti, Mr J M Simmons
• Current Melbourne Cup 2022 Odds*: $21 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

The Australian Bloodstock-raced Gold Trip has been racing well down under for the Maher/Eustace stable since joining them midway through the year. The French expat has had quite a few runs in Australia including his eye-catching Caulfield Cup second when narrowly denied carrying the 57.5kg top-weight in a brave effort. The stable dropped him back in distance on the quick back-up into the Cox Plate field over 2040m where he ran ninth, three lengths beaten when caught in traffic. That was an interesting move and one that suggests he might be quite up for this year’s Melbourne Cup? Connections are pressing on however and Mark Zahra is booked to ride. Would become the heaviest-weighted Melbourne Cup winner since Makybe Diva (58kg in 2005) for her third if successful.

2. DUAIS

• Breeding: by SHAMUS AWARD  from MEERLUST
  

  Duais is drawn well in barrier 10 for jockey Hugh Bowman in Tuesday’s 2022 Melbourne Cup field. Photo: Steve Hart.

• Age/Gender: 5YO mare
• Trainer: Edward Cummings
• Jockey: Hugh Bowman
• Weight: 55.5kg
• Barrier: 10
• Owners: Mr M R A Irwin, Harris Family Racing
• Current Melbourne Cup 2022 Odds*: $21 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

An early favourite for the Cup since her big autumn campaign but now out to nearly $20 at time of publish making her a potential value Melbourne Cup tip. Edward Cummings’ talented Shamus Award mare was huge last prep winning the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) and Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m). Three runs this spring have left a bit to be desired, but she’s improving and looking better each time the further she gets. Recent eighth over 2000m in the Turnbull saw her finish well only 2.7 lengths beaten. Stay tuned. Hugh Bowman rides on 55.5kg. Favourable barrier 10 draw for Hugh Bowman.

3. KNIGHTS ORDER

• Breeding: by SO YOU THINK (NZ)  from LAMANKA LASS (USA)
• Age/Gender: 8YO gelding
• Trainer: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
• Jockey: Tim Clark
• Weight: 55.5kg
• Barrier: 24 (into 22)
• Owners: Mrs S M Montague, Mr R H Montague, Mrs S A Hardie, Mr D W Lilley, Mrs S Lilley, Mr J B Bongiorno, Mr J R Lindsay, Ms S J Marshall, Mr A J Stephens, Mrs J J H Stephens, Mr G J Fisher, Mrs P S Hall, Newfan Pty Ltd, Mr R McClure, PROF R J Coombes, Australian Chinese Jockey Club Racing 1, Mr G T Hall, Mr D De Jersey, Woodburn
• Current Melbourne Cup 2022 Odds*: $16 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

Irish import Knights Order is in the Melbourne Cup field looking for another two-mile Group 1 following his Sydney Cup success in the autumn. Carried 51.5kg to victory there winning by over two lengths, but will need to be good with 55.5kg in the ‘race that stops a nation’. Four runs in this spring have been excellent including a win fresh on a Heavy (10) track with 59kg in the WFA Chelmsford Stakes over a mile. Kingston Town third, Turnbull Stakes fourth and then eye-catching third in the Caulfield Cup have him in good stead for another shot after his disappointing 19th in last year’s Melbourne Cup results. Tim Clark rides on with 55.5kg. Drawn the extreme outside making this a challenge.

4. MONTEFILIA

• Breeding: by KERMADEC (NZ)  from BANA WU (GB)
  

  Montefilia is the best fancied of the mares in early 2022 Melbourne Cup betting to go back-to-back for the mares. Photo: Steve Hart.

• Age/Gender: 5YO mare
• Trainer: David Payne
• Jockey: Jason Collett
• Weight: 55.5kg
• Barrier: 11
• Owners: Ms C L Vincent, Ms K Docherty, Mrs L B Paligorov, Mr A P Giles
• Current Melbourne Cup 2022 Odds*: $11 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

David Payne’s multiple Group 1 winning mare is on the right path towards the Melbourne Cup putting in some very nice trial runs ahead of the 3200m showdown on the first Tuesday of November. She hasn’t won since the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) back in March, but there she beat the reigning Melbourne Cup winning mare Verry Elleegant by two lengths. Three runs this prep for two fourths and a third, the latest being that eye-catching fourth in the Caulfield Cup when only a length off the winner. She finished strongly there with 55.5kg and gets her chance in the rematch. Jason Collett rides from one of history’s most successful barriers, gate 11.

5. NUMERIAN

• Breeding: by HOLY ROMAN EMPEROR (IRE)  from DELICATE CHARM (IRE)
• Age/Gender: 7YO gelding
• Trainer: Annabel Neasham
• Jockey: Tommy Berry
• Weight: 55.5kg
• Barrier: 7
• Owners: Teme Valley
• Current Melbourne Cup 2022 Odds*: $51 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

Tommy Berry will partner the Annabel Neasham-trained Numerian in this year’s Melbourne Cup field. The winter’s Gosford Cup and Group 2 $1.2 million The Q22 winner is used to lumping around big weights to victory, so looks okay weight-wise here with 55.5kg. Good fresh when runner-up to Cascadian in Sydney’s Group 2 $1 million Hill Stakes over 2000m before a solid Melbourne Cup trial running fifth in the Caulfield Cup only a length beaten by Durston who has been ruled out of a shot at the double.

6. WITHOUT A FIGHT

• Breeding: by TEOFILO (IRE)  from KHOR SHEED (GB)
• Age/Gender: 6YO gelding
• Trainers: Simon & Ed Crisford
• Jockey: William Buick
• Weight: 55.5kg
• Barrier: 18 (into 17)
• Owners: Sheikh M O Al Maktoum
• Current Melbourne Cup 2022 Odds*: $11 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

Another raider firming in the markets to win this year’s Melbourne Cup race, the British-raced son of Teofilo won the Grand Cup (2787m) in York with 59.5kg before a 3.5 length romp home as the odds-on elect at the same track and distance in the Group 3 Silver Cup Stakes back in June and July. Last start second at Newmarket with a big weight (62.5kg) over the mile and a half. Can see out two miles and in on 55.5kg with English hoop William Buick over for the ride. Barrier 18 didn’t produce a Melbourne Cup winner until Verry Elleegant last year, can he be the next?

7. CAMORRA

• Breeding: by ZOFFANY (IRE)  from MAURALAKANA (FR)
• Age/Gender: 6YO gelding
• Trainers: Ben & JD Hayes
• Jockey: Ben Melham
• Weight: 55kg
• Barrier: 17 (into 16)
• Owners: Best Bloodstock, Mr M J Casey, Mrs S K Casey, Mr D Spratt, Hanwu Thoroughbreds, Mr M Foo, Mrs J Lu, Mr P Li, Mr S S Roth, Mr S E C Duke, Mr K N Good, Mr A E Vanstan, Mr T M Dickson, Mr D P McLennan, Mr A Siciliano, Mr F A Magnabosco, Mr D L Portelli, Mr A T Wade, Mr A Turner, Mr J Baker
• Current Melbourne Cup 2022 Odds*: $51 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

Ben & JD Hayes have secured Irish import Camorra and the Zoffany six-year-old is drifting in Melbourne Cup 2022 betting. Winner of the Group 1 Curragh Cup (2816m) in an upset with 62kg back in June, this horse is a dour stayer who is currently allocated 55kg in the Melbourne Cup weights. Failed in the Irish St. Leger last time out in September, but is after atonement down under with Ben Melham in the saddle.

8. DEAUVILLE LEGEND

• Breeding: by SEA THE STARS (IRE)  from SOHO ROSE (IRE)
• Age/Gender: 4YO gelding
• Trainer: James Ferguson (Newmarket, GB)
• Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy
• Weight: 55kg
• Barrier: 9
• Owners: Mr K K Ho
• Current Melbourne Cup 2022 Odds*: $3.50 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

Current all-in favourite for the Melbourne Cup is this British raider prepared by James Ferguson. Huge in York back in August winning a Group 2 over 2385m by nearly three lengths with 58kg. Has 55kg in the Melbourne Cup weights and it could be the international’s year again. The overseas form has been stacking up all spring and is aided by the booking of three-time Melbourne Cup winning hoop Kerrin McEvoy. Firming fast with Loft and Durston out. Won’t be much value come jump, but is deserving of the short Melbourne Cup odds. Firming favourite following his ideal barrier nine draw.

9. STOCKMAN

• Breeding: by TAVISTOCK (NZ)  from CRIMSON (NZ)
• Age/Gender: 6YO gelding
• Trainer: Joseph Pride
• Jockey: Sam Clipperton
• Weight: 54kg
• Barrier: 2
• Owners: Proven Thoroughbreds, Mr P R King, Mrs K Walsh, Mr A Vercoe, Mr M C Clucas, MC Racing No. 9, Mr D C Clucas, Mr M A Bartley, Mr S M Vella, Mr B C Walker, Mr F W Cook, Mr R K List, Mr P A Karlsson, Miss L Karlsson, Mrs L Karlsson, Mr BD Playford, Mr D J Wilson, Mrs C M Cook, Mr P B Newsom, Mr G A Green
• Current Melbourne Cup 2022 Odds*: $26 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

Jockey Sam Clipperton has secured his very first Melbourne Cup ride booked to partner the Joe Pride-trained Stockman. After a fourth in Sydney’s The Metrop when only a length beaten, this horse went on to win Randwick’s St. Leger over 2600m by nearly two lengths. Definite stayer that will run out the 3200m. Thirty-five starts (at time of publish) and has never been to Melbourne. So there’s that, plus 54kg, that make this a challenge. Ran a nice Cup trial the Saturday prior in Sydney’s Rosehill Gold Cup under three lengths beaten eighth.

10. VOW AND DECLARE

• Breeding: by DECLARATION OF WAR (USA)  from GEBLITZT
  

  2019 champion Vow And Declare is back for another shot at the 2022 Melbourne Cup on Tuesday for Danny O’Brien. Photo: Steve Hart.

• Age/Gender: 7YO gelding
• Trainer: Danny O’Brien
• Jockey: Blake Shinn
• Weight: 54kg
• Barrier: 4
• Owners: Mr G Corrigan, Mr P J Lanskey, Mrs H R Hueston, Mr T C Lanskey, Mr J P Lanskey, Mr K T Goodman, Mr W R Leitch, Mr A F Lanskey, Mr B T Lanskey, Mr S W R Knipe, Mrs S M Corrigan, Mr L J Lanskey, Mr S A Livingstone
• Current Melbourne Cup 2022 Odds*: $26 (at time of publish) – BET NOW 

Vow And Declare is back again! Danny O’Brien’s now seven-year-old is best known for his narrow 2019 Melbourne Cup triumph. It would be some feat for the galloper to become history’s first two-time Melbourne Cup winner on non-successive years since Peter Pan (1932 & 1934). He ran 18th in his unsuccessful title defence in 2020 before missing last year’s race. Incredibly, he looks back to better form this season and was huge running only two lengths back sixth in the Caulfield Cup. Blake Shinn rides on 54kg. Ideal barrier four draw for the former champ who won from out wide in 21 a few years ago.

11. YOUNG WERTHER

• Breeding: by TAVISTOCK (NZ)  from ROMANTIC TIME (NZ)
• Age/Gender: 5YO gelding
• Trainer: Danny O’Brien
• Jockey: Damian Lane
• Weight: 54kg
• Barrier: 21 (into 19)
• Owners: Mr D T O’Brien, Mrs J O’Brien, Mr B A Ainsworth, Mr T H Rourke, Mr J F Hardwick, Mr A C Lennen, Mr S W Bruhn, Mr C Kopacz, Mr R C Salter
• Current Melbourne Cup 2022 Odds*: $34 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

Young Werther looks right up to a big run in this year’s Melbourne Cup. O’Brien won the race in 2019 with Vow And Declare (also in the mix again in 2022), and this five-year-old looks mature and ready to perform. He’s been excellent in the staying races down under over his career including a Victoria Derby third and ATC Derby second as a three-year-old. Second in last year’s Turnbull Stakes and third in that event this year. Cox Plate last run when 10th at 40/1, but that was a only a warm-up and he’ll be better over further. Watch. Damian Lane booked for the ride. Drawn barrier 21 that his stablemate Vow And Declare won from in 2019.

12. HOO YA MAL

• Breeding: by TERRITORIES (IRE)  from SENSATIONALLY (GB)
• Age/Gender: 4YO horse
• Trainers: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
• Jockey: Craig Williams
• Weight: 53.5kg
• Barrier: 15 (into 14)
• Owners: Go Bloodstock Australia, Sneesby Racing, GW Holdings, Mr A Alshaikh, Australian Chinese Jockey Club Racing 6, Mrs B M McClure, Mr R McClure, Hedley Racing, Mr R Murphy, Mrs E Murphy, Sheffield Racing, Gee Racing, Just Fun Racing, Mr C G Matthews, Ms S G Freeman-Matthews, Mr A M Cavanagh, Mr B J McDonald
• Current Melbourne Cup 2022 Odds*: $15 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

Waterhouse/Bott import travels down under as a lightly-raced European three-year-old in consistent form with a solid strike rate so far (9-2:3:3). Ran second in the Group 1 Epsom Derby over the mile and a half back in June at 150/1. Went on to win the Group 3 March Stakes (2816m) at Goodwood by a big margin, but was a little disappointing last start when second last in the Group 1 English St Leger (2922m) in September. Genuine two miler? The lighter weight will help and Craig Williams is a big race specialist in the saddle.

13. SERPENTINE

• Breeding: by GALILEO (IRE)  from REMEMBER WHEN (IRE)
• Age/Gender: 6YO gelding
• Trainer: Robert Hickmott
• Jockey: John Allen
• Weight: 53.5kg
• Barrier: 23 (into 21)
• Owners: Mr N C Williams, Mr L J Williams, Mr P Mehrten, Mr G T Ryan, Mr A L Green, Mrs B A Green, Mr B N Singer, Mr M E Ruff, Jacobsen Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Mr M Gudinski, Mr V J Sammartino, Mr D Evans, Mr J A Ingham, Mrs M M Ruff, Mr M J Symons, Mr B E G Arnhold
• Current Melbourne Cup 2022 Odds*: $41 (at time of publish)  – BET NOW

John Allen, originally booked to ride Godolphin’s non-acceptor Alegron, has picked up an eleventh-hour ride on Serpentine who is now one of two in the race for record-holding owner Lloyd Williams. Was very brave fighting all the way to the line and never giving in after leading for his second to odds-on favourite Surefire in the Lexus Archer Stakes on Derby Day. On the quick back-up now into the Cup after passing the ballot clause.

14. DAQIANSWEET JUNIOR

• Breeding: by SWEET ORANGE (USA)  from PAULETTE (NZ)
• Age/Gender: 5YO gelding
• Trainer: Phillip Stokes
• Jockey: Daniel Moor
• Weight: 53kg
• Barrier: 13 (into 12)
• Owners: O T I Racing, Mr P A Vawdrey, Mr T D Barrot, Mr R Menchise, Mr T N Porter, Mrs B Porter, Mr W S Pelchen, Mrs V L Pelchen, Mr J M Gurrieri, Mr N J McKissock, Mr J P Spence, Mrs J T Spence, Webbmck Racing, Mr D Painter, Mr G Lygoyris, Mr J Danaher, Mr A H Goodfellow, Mrs P I Goodfellow, Beartown No. 4, Mr P K Goodwin
• Current Melbourne Cup 2022 Odds*: $41 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

Daniel Moor has secured the Melbourne Cup ride on the OTI Racing-owned Daqiansweet Junior. The Kiwi-bred son of Sweet Orange is one of the proven two-milers in the race having won the Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) with 56.5kg back in March. Third after that in the Sydney Cup trifecta over the same distance on a Heavy (10). He’s a proper stayer this one. Carries around 53kg in the Melbourne Cup weights. His lead-up runs in the spring are better than they read, and he was only 2.4 lengths beaten in The Bart Cummings last time out, which looks some pretty solid form.

15. GRAND PROMENADE

• Breeding: by CHAMPS ELYSEES (GB)  from ZACCHERA (GB)
• Age/Gender: 7YO gelding
• Trainers: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
• Jockey: Harry Coffey
• Weight: 53kg
• Barrier: 1
• Owners: Limerick Lane, Mr J Ribot De Bresac, Mr J Carnavas, John Foote Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Mr A J Gorey, Sunday Knight, Mr P A Gorey, Mr P J Blunden
• Current Melbourne Cup 2022 Odds*: $67 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

Back-to-back Bendigo Cup winning jockey Harry Coffey has picked up the ride on the Maher/Eustace Melbourne Cup roughie Grand Promenade. The horse was 12.6 lengths beaten when sixth behind Verry Elleegant in last year’s Melbourne Cup results and is winless since the Group 3 The Bart Cummings victory that got him in last spring. Last start fourth in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup on Cox Plate Day had the seven-year-old well beaten. Hard to see him challenge off his form this season. Drawn the inside alley in the big field so will need to work early to stay out of trouble. Prince Of Penzance (2015) was the last Melbourne Cup winner from barrier one.

16. ARAPAHO 

• Breeding: by LOPE DE VEGA (IRE)  from ALZUBRA (GB)
• Age/Gender: 6YO gelding
• Trainer: Bjorn Baker
• Jockey: Rachel King
• Weight: 52.5kg
• Barrier: 19 (into 18)
• Owners: Bjorn Baker Racing, Mr C E Holt, Mr P W Hickey, Mr D F O’Rourke, Mr G J Sly, Mr G Sly, Mr S A Aspinall, Mr S R Bache, Mr K R Ferrel, Mr J S McDonnell, Mrs A McDonnell, Mr RP Ryan, Mr R C Beames, Mr B M Dowling, Mr M A Karam, Mr J R Taylor, Mr P W Griffin
• Current Melbourne Cup 2022 Odds*: $61 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

An outsider in Melbourne Cup betting, Bjorn Baker’s six-year-old isn’t expected to challenge but does give jockey Rachel King her second ride in the race. This galloper has secured a start after Persan and Nerve Not Verve (higher up the order of entry) dropped out contention. Has been racing consistently and does bring some good form to the table. Third a couple back in the Group 3 Newcastle Gold Cup won by subsequent Caulfield Cup champion Durston. Could finish better than the price suggests.

17. EMISSARY

• Breeding: by KINGMAN (GB)  from SOVIET MOON (IRE)
• Age/Gender: 6YO gelding
• Trainer: Michael Moroney
• Jockey: TBD
• Weight: 51.5kg (includes 0.5kg penalty)
• Barrier: 3
• Owners: Ballymore Stables (Aust) Pty Ltd, R & C Legh Racing Pty Ltd, Pulitano Thoroughbreds Pty Ltd, Gee Gee Equine Limited, Exset Racing, Mr R A Duke, Mr R A Ford, Mr F D Brown, Mr A F M Panozzo, Ms A M Bergin, Mr C J Talbot, Mrs L A Talbot, Mr D W Smith, Mr M R Nees, Dr L Deady, Mrs S Cummings, Union Road Racing, Mr A Ring
• Current Melbourne Cup 2022 Odds*: $21 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

Emissary was right on the cusp of a Melbourne Cup start but has gained a run with the withdrawal of Loft and Durston. He put his name in the hat when improving on his Group 2 Herbert Power eighth to win the Group 3 Geelong Cup. That’s been a solid form race for the Melbourne Cup over the years. Well-weighted here even with a half-kilo penalty.

18. LUNAR FLARE – SCRATCHED

• Breeding: by FIORENTE (IRE)  from MY FAIR LAGO
• Age/Gender: 7YO mare
• Trainer: Grahame Begg
• Jockey: Michael Dee
• Weight: 51.5kg (includes 0.5kg penalty)
• Barrier: 12
• Owners: Mr J F Valmorbida, Mr F J Kraps, Mr J B Bongiorno

Begg’s seven-year-old mare is a daughter of Fiorente and is bred for this race. She’s was second in a failed title defence in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup on Cox Plate Day when 3.75 lengths beaten by the emphatic winner Francesco Guardi. That Waller import is not in the Cup (an overlook by the stable surely!), making Lunar Flare the next best out of a strong form line. The run before she beat the luckless Francesco Guardi in the Group 3 The Bart Cummings. Hitting her form at the right time. She’s in the field current second on the ballot and, even with a penalty, carries only 51.5kg. Genuine hope if she’s up to the grade. This year’s Caulfield Cup winning jockey Michael Dee to ride.

19. SMOKIN’ ROMANS

• Breeding: by GHIBELLINES  from INFERNO (NZ)
• Age/Gender: 6YO gelding
• Trainers: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
• Jockey: Ms Jamie Kah
• Weight: 51.5kg (includes 1.5kg penalty)
• Barrier: 16 (into 15)
• Owners: Mr A C Downing, Mr S H H Prenter, J N Ashby, Troyantish, Mr N McFarlane, Mr B P Kelly, Mr T J Kelly, C Wattam, Mr P Thomson, Mr D R Frampton, Mr M J Clements, Mr H M Brown
• Current Melbourne Cup 2022 Odds*: $17 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

Jamie Kah will be out to emulate Michelle Payne as the only female Melbourne Cup winning jockeys when she rides this year’s Turnbull Stakes champion, Smokin’ Romans, in the 2022 Melbourne Cup field. The horse, even with a penalty, is in on 51.5kg. Same weight aboard when seventh in the Caulfield Cup, but was far from disgraced when only 2.3 lengths beaten. The two miles will be the test.

20. TRALEE ROSE

• Breeding: by TAVISTOCK (NZ)  from STAR OF TRALEE (NZ)
• Age/Gender: 6YO mare
• Trainer: Symon Wilde
• Jockey: Dean Yendall
• Weight: 51.5kg
• Barrier: 22 (into 20)
• Owners: Mr S W Wilde, Mr R W Gamble, Mrs S J Gamble, Mr B W Casanelia, Power Strike, Mr C J Cooke, Mr P A Fitzgerald, Mr J R Parish, Mr D Costa, Mr M A Schirmer, Mr JM MacLean, Mr D J Maclean, Mrs A J MacLean, Mr M P Sheahan, Mr I C Mckinnon, Mr T G Casanelia, Mr J Fitzgerald, P P R C Racing
• Current Melbourne Cup 2022 Odds*: $71 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

Dean Yendall has secured a 2022 Melbourne Cup ride aboard roughie shot Tralee Rose, winner of last year’s Geelong Cup. The now six-year-old Tavistock mare ran in last year’s Melbourne Cup finishing ninth. She’s had just the three runs since and will need to improve hugely on her last start 13th in the Caulfield Cup to be any chance of another Top 10 run on Melbourne Cup Day. Out to triple figures after drawing barrier 22.

21. POINT NEPEAEN – SCRATCHED

• Breeding: by CAMELOT (GB)  from SEA GODDESS (IRE)
• Age/Gender: 5YO horse
• Trainer: Robert Hickmott
• Jockey: Wayne Lordan
• Weight: 51kg
• Barrier: 20
• Owners: Mr N C Williams, Mr L J Williams, Mrs S J Williams, Mr P Mehrten, Mr G T Ryan

Point Nepean has been scratched from the Melbourne Cup field after an elevated blood count on Monday morning.

23. HIGH EMOCEAN

• Breeding: by OCEAN PARK (NZ)  from HIGH JOY (NZ)
• Age/Gender: 6YO mare
• Trainer: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
• Jockey: Teo Nugent
• Weight: 50kg
• Barrier: 8
• Owners: Mr D J Molloy, Mr M A Milano, Mr C L Brettschneider, Wilawl Go Racing, Mr A J Rosano, Mr A J Thompson, I F B S GROUP, Proline Thoroughbreds No.2, Mr G L Orr, Mr R B Grace, Mr M W Ridgway, Mr M J Hayward, Buangor Bunch, G T G Racing, Mr G Ingram, Mr C G Taylor, Mr B A Quinn, Mr R J Taylor, Mrs D M Molloy, Mr B J Molloy
• Current Melbourne Cup 2022 Odds*: $31 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

Ciaron Maher & David Eustace could have up to five runners in the 2022 Melbourne Cup field including their Bendigo Cup winning mare from Wednesday, Ocean Park six-year-old High Emocean. She was good winning that time-honoured 2400m event in the wet with 54.5kg and, after escaping a penalty, will be flying with 50kg on her back in the Melbourne Cup weights.

23. INTERPRETATION

• Breeding: by GALILEO (IRE)  from DALDIYNA (FR)
• Age/Gender: 5YO horse
• Trainer: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
• Jockey: Craig Newitt
• Weight: 50kg
• Barrier: 6
• Owners: Mr A Kheir, Mr J A O’Neill, Mrs L Buzadzic, Mr T R Maddern, Mr R Mesiano, Carty Racing, Mr M S Dandiwal, Mr V Kheir, Mr B A Secatore, Mrs R T Secatore, Mr G J Skien, Mr S A Lewin, Mr R E Wilson, Mr A Obarzanski, Mr W Brownlee-Smith, A K Racing, Halo Racing Services Pty Ltd, Solscaf Racing, Mr B D Nettlefold
• Current Melbourne Cup 2022 Odds*: $51 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

Raced by a similar ownership group to Loft, the silver lining for connections after they lost that star German stayer to a tendon injury is that Interpretation now looks likely to gain a start and add to the strong numbers for the Maher/Eustace stable. Big price on offer, but this entire carries just 50kg and has winning form up to 2816m overseas. Racing in Australia since July and was narrowly beaten two back when third in the Group 3 The Bart Cummings here, which is looking a pretty strong form race. Last start sixth in the Geelong Cup with more weight. Could surprise a few.

24. REALM OF FLOWERS

• Breeding: by SO YOU THINK (NZ)  from ASTRAL FLOWER (GB)
• Age/Gender: 6YO mare
• Trainers: Anthony & Sam Freedman
• Jockey: Damien Thornton
• Weight: 50kg
• Barrier: 5
• Owners: Mr R McClure, Mrs B M McClure, Kia Ora 2009, Mr E J Lucas, Mr P C McClure, Dr B Bester, Nandowra Racing, Mr J A R Bester, Mr J C Izon
• Current Melbourne Cup 2022 Odds*: $11 (at time of publish) – BET NOW

Realm Of Flowers gets her first shot at the Melbourne Cup and the six-year-old looks to be coming into the event on the back of some of her best form. Third last time out in Sydney’s Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m) at big odds beaten a nostril flare in a photo finish. She won last year’s Listed Andrew Ramsden (2800m) at headquarters by nearly five lengths, so the two miles is a non-issue. She was right on the cusp of a start, but the attrition rate with Durston and Loft out has seen her gain a run on just 50kg with Damien Thornton to ride. Barrier five is the most successful in the race’s history and she’s in it. Market mover now into single-figures.

*All 2022 Melbourne Cup odds provided by Ladbrokes.com.au and subject to change.