From the horses's mouth ... the expert opinion on Tuesday's Melbourne Cup. Source: Michael Klein / News Limited
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All you need to know about all the 24 runners in the race that stops a nation, the 2012 Melbourne Cup at Flemington on Tuesday.
1. DUNADEN (Mikel Delzangles) 7h By Nicobar - La Marlia (34:10-9-7): Set the pace when 3-1/2 len 6th (60.5) Danedream 2414m GB - Ascot King & Queen July 21 then produced stunning effort to come from third last in a field of 18 to score 1/2 len win (58.0) Alcopop, Lights Of Heaven 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct 20. Outstanding French stayer who is the defending champion in this race. Showed he is on track again with a superb performance to win the Caulfield Cup after drawing the outside barrier and settling at the rear. Rises 4.5kgs on last year's winning weight but looks to be going just as well. Unbeaten in three starts in Australia and looks a key player again.
2. AMERICAIN (A De Royer-Dupre) 8h By Dynaformer - America (33:11-4-4): Returned from a break with 3-3/4 len 6th (60.0) Joshua Tree 3000m Fr - Deauville Prix Kergorlay Aug 19 then found trouble early on and lost a plate before finishing strongly to run 1-1/2 len 4th (58.0) Dunaden 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct 20. Grand stayer who won this race in 2010 before returning last year to run a gallant fourth, only a length and a half from the the winner, Dunaden. Looked one of the unlucky runners in the Caulfield Cup and did a great job to finish so close to the placegetters. Gets a 4.5kg swing in the weights on Dunaden from last year and he'll appreciate getting back to Flemington. Top chance.
3. JAKKALBERRY (M Botti) 7h By Storming Home - Claba Di San Jore (25:10-2-3): Outstayed rivals to score 2-1/4 len win (54.0) Ioya Bigtime, Zuider Zee 2716m USA - Arlington St Leger Aug 18 then was slowly away and hampered near the turn when 6-1/2 len 13th (55.5) Dunaden 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct 20. Widely-travelled galloper who has raced in six countries in his 25 starts including 11 at G1 level. Last-start win was his first outside Italy and Dunaden has beaten him home at each of their three meetings so far. Didn't enjoy the best of luck in the Caulfield Cup when trapped deep the whole way so he did a reasonable job to beat a third of the field home. Worth noting his St Leger win in the US two starts back was only his second start beyond 2400 metres. At his only other start in that distance range, he ran third in the G3 Nad El Sheba Trophy over 2800 metres to the ill-fated Fox Hunt which ran 7th in this race in 2011. Worth some thought.
1. Dunaden (Barrier 16) Craig Williams 59kg
2. Americain (12) D Oliver 58kg
3. Jakkalberry (19) Colm O'Donoghue 55.5kg
4. Red Cadeaux (18) M Rodd 55.5kg
5. Winchester (22) J Mott 55.5kg
6. Voila Ici (13) V Duric 55kg
7. Cavalryman (6) L Dettori 54kg
8. Mount Athos (8) Ryan Moore 54kg
9. Sanagas (4) Nicholas Hall 54kg
10. Ethiopia (14) R McLeod 53.5kg
11. Fiorente (2) J B McDonald 53.5kg
12. Galileo's Choice (11) P J Smullen 53.5kg
13. Glencadam Gold (7) Tommy Berry 53.5kg
14. Green Moon (5) B Prebble 53.5kg
15. Maluckyday (9) J A Cassidy 53.5kg
16. Mourayan (3) J Bowman 53.5kg
17. My Quest For Peace (1) C W Brown 53.5kg
18. Niwot (15) D Dunn 53.5kg
19. Tac De Boistron (21) O Dolueze 53.5kg
20. Lights Of Heaven (17) L Nolen 53kg
21. Precedence (20) B Shinn 53kg
22. Unusual Suspect (23) G Schofield 53kg
23. Zabeelionaire (24) C Newitt 52kg
24. Kelinni (10) G Boss 51kg
4. RED CADEAUX (Ed Dunlop) 7g By Cadeaux Genereux - Artisia (30:6-8-5): Ran on stoutly when 3-1/4 len, 3/4 len 3rd (57.0) Sea Moon, Dunaden 2414m GB - Ascot Hardwicke Stks slow trk June 23 before finishing 2-3/4 len, 1-1/2 len 3rd (59.5) Fiorente, Joshua Tree 2414m GB - Newmarket Goldsmith's Stk slow trk July 12. Looking to atone for a nose defeat by Dunaden in this race last year and gets a 2kg swing in the weights on that horse which has beaten him home in two subsequent meetings. Very genuine galloper who has placed at all three runs at G1 level and will come into this race fresh having not raced for four months. Must be included in the chances.
5. WINCHESTER (J D Sadler) 8h By Theatrical - Rum Charger (29:6-6-3): Went back from a wide alley but worked home nicely for 4-3/4 len 9th (57.5) Green Moon 2000m F'ton Turnbull Stakes Oct 6 then was slowly away and again did best work late when 4-3/4 len 9th (55.5) Dunaden 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct 20. Again near tail and taken wide into stretch before turning in a late grinding finish for 2-3/4 len 6th (59.0) Alcopop 2000m F'ton Mackinnon Stks Nov 3. Three-time G1 winner from the US who has been far from disgraced at all four Australian starts incl a late grinding finish in the Mackinnon on Saturday. Each time he has got a long way back in the run but reeled off good late sectionals. Racing pattern suggests he'll be suited over this trip. Look for him to be closing hard.
6. VOILA ICI (P G Moody) 8h By Daylami - Far Hope (32:13-6-5): Struck interference near the post when 1-3/4 len 4th (55.5) Green Moon 2000m F'ton Turnbull Stakes Oct 6 then shared the lead before knocking up to finish 17-1/2 len last (55.0) Dunaden 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct 20. Italian import who had run well in both the Turnbull Stakes and Underwood Stakes before a disappointing effort in the Caulfield Cup. Scored at G2 level over 2800 metres in France at his only run beyond 2400 metres but that was more than three years ago. Entitled to be forgiven his last-start effort but last bit here could be the test.
7. CAVALRYMAN (Saeed Bin Suroor) 7h By Halling - Silversword (27:6-4-3): Ran 6-1/2 len 4th (57.5) Times Up 3299m GB - York Lonsdale Cup dead trk Aug 25 then finished strongly for 2-1/4 len 2nd (60.0) Caucus 3219m GB - Newmarket J.C. Rose Bowl Sept 27. Well-performed and widely-travelled galloper from the Godolphin yard. Thirteen of his 27 starts have been at G1 level and include a third in the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe in 2009 behind the champion Sea The Stars. Proven over the trip and will carry the lowest weight of his career in this. Don't ignore.
8. MOUNT ATHOS (L M Cumani) 6g By Montjeu - Ionian Sea (20:7-0-1): Followed 4 len win (63.5) High Jinx, Lyric Street 2816m GB - York Silver Cup July 14 with 3-1/4 len win (59.0) Brown Panther, Modun 2716m G B - Newbury Freer Stakes Aug 18. Late bloomer from strong UK stable which knows how to find the right horse for this race. Last-start win was his first at G3 level so this is a big step-up in grade but he's a strong stayer with a good turn of foot. Must go to another level here but strong market support suggests he is heading in the right direction. Keep in mind.
9. SANAGAS (J B Cummings) 7g By Lomitas - Scota (15:7-1-0): Followed 5-3/4 len last (59.0) Ocean Park 2000m Caulfield Stks Oct 13 with 4-3/4 len 10th (54.0) Dunaden 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct 20. German-bred stayer who has been successful at G1 level in the US and comes into this race under the care of Cups legend Bart Cummings. Ran in three unsuitable races over shorter trips before an even effort in the Caulfield Cup when finished less than five lengths from the winner and in front of eight rivals. All seven wins have been over distances longer than 2200 metres including three past 2400 metres so the further he goes the better he gets. Can improve without surprising.
10. ETHIOPIA (P G Carey) 4g By Helenus - Shona (7:1-1-2): Pulled hard during the run when 3-1/4 len 6th (56.5) Green Moon 2000m F'ton Turnbull Stakes Oct 6 then shared the pace before holding on for 4-1/4 len 4th (57.5) Ocean Park 2040m M Valley W.S. Cox Plate dead trk Oct 27. Australian Derby winner who has improved at every run this campaign and comes off a super effort in the Cox Plate. Lightly-raced galloper who oozes class and looks to be peaking at the right time here. Could be the local hope.
11. FIORENTE (Ms G Waterhouse) 5h By Monsun - Desert Bloom (9:2-3-0): Followed 2-3/4 len win (58.0) Joshua Tree, Red Cadeaux 2414m GB - Newmarket Goldsmith's Stk slow trk July 12 with 7-1/4 len 4th (58.0) Orfevre 2400m Fr - Longchamp Prix Foy dead trk Sept 16. Up-and-coming stayer with consistent form at G2 level in the UK up to 2414 metres. Proved too strong for Red Cadeaux two starts back and meets that horse better at the weights here for beating him. May be coming good at the right time but strikes a tough assignment here. Keep safe.
12. GALILEO'S CHOICE (D K Weld) 7g By Galileo - Sevi's Choice (16:8-4-1): Returned from a break with 2 len win (61.0) Aklan, Steps To Freedom 2816m Ire - Leopardstown Challenge Stks slow trk July 19 then scored 1-1/2 len win (61.0) Massiyn, Bible Belt 2414m Ire - Leopardstown Ballyroan Stks dead trk Aug 9. Typical Dermot Weld-trained stayer who arrives here on the back of a mix of flat and hurdle racing. Has won his three most recent flat starts including two at G3 level but hasn't raced outside of Ireland on the flat. Stable has won this race twice previously so knows what it takes. Must be respected.
13. GLENCADAM GOLD (Ms G Waterhouse) 5g By Refuse To Bend - Sandrella (13:6-2-1): Made it four wins from four starts in Australia when scoring 3-3/4 len win (53.0) Kelinni, Reuben Percival 2400m R'wick The Metropolitan Oct 6 then knocked up after setting the pace to finish 8-3/4 len 15th (53.5) Dunaden 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct 20. Imported stayer who had thrived in his new environment, winning his first four starts for Gai Waterhouse before failing as favourite in the Caulfield Cup. Some question about the depth of the races he was winning before his last-start failure and he'll have to go to another level here to be competitive.
14. GREEN MOON (Robert Hickmott) 6h By Montjeu - Green Noon (19:6-3-0): Scored lg nk win (55.5) Seville, December Draw 2000m F'ton Turnbull Stakes Oct 6 then looked to have every chance when 6-1/4 len 7th (59.0) Ocean Park 2040m M Valley W.S. Cox Plate dead trk Oct 27. Imported galloper who was runner-up in last year's Caulfield Cup and has been high in the betting charts for this race since then. Had done everything right this campaign until his last-start failure in the Cox Plate but will appreciate getting back to Flemington where his two most recent wins have come. Untried at the trip and that looks his major obstacle.
15. MALUCKYDAY (M, W & J Hawkes) 6g By Zabeel - Natalie Wood (17:5-3-2): Was disappointed for a run when len 2nd (59.0) Tanby 2520m F'ton Bart Cummings Oct 6 then jumped awkwardly before finishing 3-1/4 len 5th (58.5) Gatewood 2400m Geelong Cup Oct 24. Runner-up in this race two years ago to Americain and is on the comeback trail. Showed a glimpse of form here two starts back when stepped up in trip and he drops 5.5kgs from that run. Yet to win past G3 level and the jury is still out as to whether he is as good as he was in 2010. Place looks best.
16. MOURAYAN (Robert Hickmott) 7h By Alhaarth - Mouramara (32:4-8-5): Followed lg hd 2nd (59.0) Lamasery 2000m R'wick Hill Stakes Sept 22 with hd win (59.0) Western Symbol, Dare To Dream 2000m R'wick Craven Plate Oct 6. Very honest galloper who has progressed at each run this campaign. Finished within a length of Americain in the G2 Zipping Classic last spring and meets him 5.5kgs better from that race. Don't dismiss.
17. MY QUEST FOR PEACE (L M Cumani) 5h By Galileo - Play Misty For Me (12:5-1-2): Scored len win (62.5) Electrolyser, Berling 2816m G B - Goodwood March Stakes dead trk Aug 25 then struck interference early on before finishing 1-1/2 len 5th (53.5) Dunaden 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct 20. Highly-rated UK stayer who hit the front too soon in the Caulfield Cup but battled on well to finish within two lengths of the winner. Should be suited by the bigger track at Flemington and doesn't need to improve much from Caulfield to be competitive here. Lightweight chance.
18. NIWOT (M, W & J Hawkes) 8g By Galileo - Too Darn Hot (32:9-4-1): Worked home OK when 3-3/4 len 8th (57.5) Green Moon 2000m F'ton Turnbull Stakes Oct 6 then disappointed when 5-3/4 len 12th (53.5) Dunaden 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct 20. Finished 8th in this race last year, less than four lengths from the winner and he's won the Sydney Cup over this trip in the interim with 2kgs more than he'll carry here. Has a superb record at 2500 metres and further and may pay to forgive last-start failure. Has claims.
19. TAC DE BOISTRON (M C Kent) 6g By Take Risks - Pondiki (27:5-2-2): After sht hd win (56.5) Vadamar, Shahwardi 2800m Fr - Longchamp De Nieuil slow trk July 14 was vetted following 7-3/4 len 6th (58.5) Gatewood 2400m Geelong Cup Oct 24. French import with excellent staying credentials including three wins at 2800 metres and beyond. Two starts back scored at G2 level in France against opposition which included recent Herbert Power Stakes (G2) winner Shahwardi and he will be improved by his Geelong Cup run. Comes into calculations.
20. LIGHTS OF HEAVEN (P G Moody) 5m By Zabeel - I'm In Heaven (18:6-3-3): Held on well for lg hd, 1/2 len 3rd (57.0) Lamasery, Mourayan 2000m R'wick Hill Stakes Sept 22 before finishing 1/2 len, 3/4 len 3rd (53.0) Dunaden, Alcopop 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct 20. Quality mare who has a Brisbane Cup win and a Caulfield Cup placing to her name at her only two starts at 2400 metres. She looks to be peaking at the right time and has claims as one of the picks of the locals on her latest run. Rate highly.
21. PRECEDENCE (J B Cummings) 7g By Zabeel - Kowtow (44:7-5-1): Got checked near the 800m and was disappointed for a run when 4-1/4 len 6th (58.0) Shahwardi 2400m C'field Herbert Power Oct 13 then finished 3-3/4 len 4th (57.0) Vatuvei 2500m M Valley M.V Gold Cup dead trk Oct 27. Having his third attempt at this race after finishing 8th to Americain in 2010 and 11th to Dunaden last year. Has had 13 starts at G1 level prior to this and is yet to place and he has failed at four attempts previously over this trip. A win would surprise.
22. UNUSUAL SUSPECT (M C Kent) 9h By Unusual Heat - Penpont (68:9-8-6): Finished 8-3/4 len 15th (58.5) Midnight Martini 2025m Cranbourne Cup dead trk Oct 14 before running 6-3/4 len 5th (58.0) Vatuvei 2500m Moonee Valley Gold Cup dead trk Oct 27. Veteran campaigner who doesn't appear to be going as well as he was at this time last year when he followed a 6th in the Caulfield Cup with 9th in this race. He'll appreciate getting down in the weights but his chance to win this race may have passed him by.
23. ZABEELIONAIRE (L J Corstens) 4h By Zabeel - Kisumu (17:3-1-0): Got checked near the 1600m before finishing 6 len 14th (56.5) Green Moon 2000m F'ton Turnbull Stakes Oct 6 then as checked early on before finishing 2-3/4 len 6th (52.0) Dunaden 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct 20. Turned in a real eyecatcher on Saturday sweeping home for2-1/4 len 5th (58.5) Alcopop 2000m F'ton Mackinnon Stks Nov 3. SA Derby winner who didn't have much luck in the Caulfield Cup before producing a strong finish in the Mackinnon on Saturday. Appears to have been aimed specifically at this race and he's always shaped as a horse who would appreciate this trip. Will be finishing hard with his light weight.
24. KELINNI (C J Waller) 5g By Refuse To Bend - Orinoco (18:8-3-3): Scored sht nk win (55.5) Julienas, Strawberry Boy 2400m R'hill Colin Stephen dead trk Sept 29 before running 3-3/4 len 2nd (52.0) Glencadam Gold 2400m R'wick The Metro Oct 6. Midfield in transit then advanced to lead inside final 150m and kicked on for an authoritative nk win (57.0) Dare To Dream, Exceptionally 2500m F'ton Lexus Stakes dead trk Nov 3. Super consistent import who forced his way into the field with an excellent win in the Lexus on Saturday. In the big time now but gives impression he'll get the trip and looks a genuine knockout hope on Saturday's performance.
