It’s the week between Prelude series’ of the TAB Melbourne Cup but like every city meeting there’s an abundance of things to look forward to.
Here’s five points of interest ahead of tonight’s meeting:
Race 1 : When are we going to see the real Full Flight?
I like the mystery of some of the sport’s enigmatic speedsters. This fella is one of them. Back in June he set a stunning 29.29 with a super strong 10.43 run home. He’s had six starts since, four of which he was favourite and has managed two thirds.
Bookmakers have started to take him on as he’s $8 to win tonight, the longest price of his career.
Race 3: Shades of Poke The Bear?
McCooly’s Lad (pictured) is a nephew of the white powerhouse. He had his first race at Sandown Park on Sunday where he bungled the start but after that we saw what he’s made of. His breed, his looks and the way he carved through the field you couldn’t help but think of what might be possible.
His time and splits are eerily similar to those of Houdini Boy in his last run over 515m.
Race 5: Skipper ready to explode?
Captain Dynamite steps back up to 595m and he looks primed for it. He’s stormed home in his past two outings and who could forget his one and only race over the 595m? His run home time was 10.50 – outrageous.
Race 9: O’Sullivan owes the punters one
He’s got plenty of talent as his 29.19 PB suggests but hasn’t been able to convert it to wins recently. In his past eight Grade 5’s at the city tracks he’s averaged a starting price of $3.30. He’s placed in six without winning.
He’s again the favourite in Race 9 tonight.
Race 11: We’re ready.
People Get Ready stole the show on Sunday with a red hot 29.31 win – the fastest since we’ve returned to racing as well as trainer Ned McDonald’s first winner at Sandown Park. After just six starts he’s rated a $31 shot to win the TAB Melbourne Cup.
He’s $1.50 to win Race 11 – easy to see why!
Today marks three weeks until the $25,000 winner-takes-all Shootout which is set for Thursday November 12.
Next Thursday October 29 will see the second series of TAB Melbourne Cup Preludes.
Click here for tonight’s fields
