I wasn’t going to do Melbourne Cup tips this year, because it’s been over a year since I did any work for Aushorse Marketing. When I did consulting work for them, one of the tasks I had was to track Australian bred horses racing overseas. The consequence was that I had a decent overview of international form – something that is really helpful when analysing the Cup field.

Without that background knowledge, I was planning to step away from the Cup. With all the imports, it’s really hard to get a handle each horse. However, I couldn’t help myself, and if you follow me on facebook, you will have seen a very brief overview of the field. I’ve copied it here and put the winner in bold.

Cross Counter – last year’s winner in form. weight might be an issue

Mer de Glace – in form stayer. looks the best chance

Master of Reality – another international that punters haven’t seen in ok form. meh

Mirage Dancer – consistent type

Southern France – consistent and beat Downdraft and Master of Reality 2 starts ago

Hunting Horn – solid preparation for international and last start winner in Aus. chance.

Latrobe – another international that punters haven’t seen in ok form. meh

Mustajeer – not the worst

Rostropovich – out of form

Twilight Payment – not quite in this class but goes ok.

Finche – solid local preparation. chance

Prince of Arran – last start winner and proven at the trip. good chance

Raymond Tusk – another international that punters haven’t seen in ok form. meh

Downdraft – last start winner who is consistent. solid chance

Magic Wand – consistent but might not stay the 2 miles

Neufbosc – out of form

Sound – can stay the 2 miles but out of form at the moment

Surprise Baby – last start winner whose sire won this race, in consistent form. excellent light weight chance

Constantinople – consistent lately without winning, probably won’t stay the 2 miles

Il Paradiso – another international that punters haven’t seen in ok form. meh

Steel Prince – would be a surprise on current form

The Chosen One – maybe at this weight but not as classy as some of the others

Vow and Declare – excellent light weight chance. solid second behind Mer De Glace last start and carries a lot less weight this time. can stay, good chance

Youngster – talent with light weight, but has only been knocking around lately. would have to improve a lot.

#YuptotheCup