Leaders dominate early on Melbourne Cup day at Flemington
THE first two races on Melbourne Cup day went to front runners, which could make it interesting for punters later in the day.
Punters are always quick to point out a potential track bias, and although we don’t believe there is a bias at Flemington on Tuesday, finding those on-pace runners could help.
Two-year-old filly Setsuna dictate the play in the opener to score an easy win in the Emirates A380 Stakes. Trained by the Waterhouse/Bott duo, the daughter of Choisir used the inside barrier to full advantage down the straight.
The $4.70 second favourite simply showed too much pace along the rail and that same tactic was used in the following race when Tahanee hugged the steel.
Having its fifth run this campaign, the Darren Weir-trained five-year-old was able to settle in a handy position from barrier two before finding the lead and kicking away over the fast-finishing Invincibella.
Invincibella did make a lot of ground from the tail of the field, so that’s not a problem at Flemington, but the clear advantage early in the day is with those drawn on the rail.
We’ve looked at some of the better thoroughbreds to draw along the inside for the remainder of Melbourne Cup day.
Inside drawn runners to bet on at Flemington
Granddukeoftuscany takes the inside draw in Race 4 – the Ronald McDonald House Charities Plate.
The seven-year-old has placed twice at Flemington in the past and its placing in the Bart Cummings last start warrants attention.
We’re expecting his current price of $4.20 at Neds.com.au to shorten.
Paret lines up for Chris Waller in the Schweppes Flemington Fling and although it has been ridden back in two starts to date, something tells us they’ll head forward on the three-year-old today.
The Harbour Watch colt scored from last on debut at Canterbury before scorching home behind Beau Geste at Rosehill last start. Running down the straight will likely see Paret settle closer to the pace and it could use that inside draw to dictate the action.
Paret has been well-backed at $4.60 with Sportsbet.com.au to win.
Our final runner to watch is Our Crown Mistress in the Lexus Hybrid Plate. The quality runner has been winning from in front all campaign and that’s unlikely to change on Tuesday.
She had to work for the lead last start, which won’t happen here, and she was good enough to kick away for the easy victory.
$3.10 at Neds is a great price for a filly shooting for four straight wins.