It’s now been confirmed that the Victorian government is to allow 10,000 spectators to attend Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday, November 2.
State premier Daniel Andrews announced the figures as part of the region’s reopening plan. As well as the Cup, people in Victoria will also now be allowed to attend a planned live concert on October 30 at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
Andrews has moved to say that having crowds at the Melbourne Cup sends the right message about safe reopening. It’s hoped this huge sporting event will also help to lift the mood around Victoria and Australia as a whole.
Criticism for Andrews as School Kids Made to Wait
While a decision on allowing fans to attend the Melbourne Cup at Flemington is largely seen as positive, it has drawn the ire of some.
Many parents in the state have criticised Daniel Andrews for allowing punters in before kids can return to school. While 10,000 will be at Flemington for Cup Day on November 2 and again for Oaks Day on November 4, school children aren’t set to return to the classroom until November 5.
At that point, children will be able to get back to face-to-face schooling five days per week. Given that strict protocols are in place however, there would seem to be nothing unsafe about allowing punters into Flemington.
Delphi Almost Certain of Melbourne Cup Start
Meanwhile on the track, up and coming stayer Delphi put up a nice performance at Caulfield on Saturday.
Anthony & Sam Freedman’s son of Galileo landed the Herbert Power Stakes by a length under Damien Oliver. His win in that Group 2 means he now receives a weight penalty for the Cup. He’ also now exempt from the ballot for the Caulfield Cup should he reappear quickly in the $5 million spectacular.
The Caulfield Cup is run on Saturday and connections may be tempted to go there without a penalty. Racing Victoria’s chief handicapper however did announce a 1kg penalty for the big one on November 2.
That weight penalty has shoved Delphi up the Melbourne Cup pecking order. He’s now 24th in the order of entry, just about guaranteeing him a place at Flemington.
24 horses can run in the Melbourne Cup, but given that Delphi could be now pushed back down the list depending on what happens in the Caulfield Cup his place is not quite certain yet.
The Herbert Power Stakes hasn’t always been the most reliable indicator of what’s to come in the Melbourne Cup. Rogan Josh was the last winner of the race to double up at Flemington, way back in 1999.
Bookmakers and punters alike however were suitably impressed with his performance. He has shortened in the betting after his win, though still sits behind British challenger Spanish Mission and favourite Incentivise.
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