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?

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 17^th 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.