Viable contenders are beginning to form for this year’s Melbourne Cup on November 7. Yashin announced himself as a contender in Ireland, but there could yet be a back-to-back winner.
2022 winner Gold Trip is back to work now. He is being seriously aimed at the big one again this year and we will be following his progress.
Fitness Coming, Handicap a Problem
Gold Trip’s connections are looking for their gelding to become the first multiple Cup winner since Makybe Diva. As well as a clutch of up-and-coming Melbourne Cup contenders, he will surely have RV’s handicapper to contend with too.
Now back to work at Cranbourne, Ciaron Maher & David Eustace’s runner is starting to get his fitness back. Gold Trip had to carry 57.5kg when winning the Cup last November but due to his rating of 117, he would now have to haul 59kg if lining up once again.
Weather Could Be Gold Trip’s Next Hurdle
As well as his rating, the weather could be his biggest opponent going forward. Though his fitness is coming along nicely, he did take advantage of wet tracks last spring. That may not be the case this time around.
Gold Trip’s Caulfield Cup run was on a Soft 6. He also ran well in the Cox Plate on a Heavy 8 before scoring at Flemington on a Soft 7.
Maher & Eustace know that their star will be carrying plenty of weight after his successful year. That along makes things tough but we must keep an eye on underfoot conditions.
He did get a charmed run of things last year with conditions to his liking. After the Melbourne Cup he was beaten four times in a row with things not so much in his favour. The team at Cranbourne are hoping things come right for him just in time.
A warm and dry spring has been predicted already. An El Nino effect looks likely to take form, meaning we could be on firmer tracks for the big races in Melbourne during October and November.
Latest Melbourne Cup Odds
In the latest Melbourne Cup betting odds, Gold Trip is ranked between $21 and $34 right now. His price reflects his realistic chances, but things can change between now and November, especially the weather forecast.
Odds are offered in places for Goldman, Justin Palace, Kovalica and Point King although their participation isn’t certain. These are the latest Melbourne Cup odds (best prices on the market):
- Goldman – $11
- Lunar Flare – $13
- Justin Palace – $13
- White Marlin – $17
- Kovalica – $17
- Point King – $17
- Soulcombe – $19
- Francesco Guardi – $21
- Sonnyboyliston – $21
- Silver Sonic – $21
- Emily Dickinson – $26
- Cleveland – $26
- Yibir – $26
- Broome – $26
- Duke De Sessa – $26
Selected others; Earl Of Tyrone – $34, Deauville Legend – $34, Emissary – $34, Durston – $41, Hoo Ya Mal – $51.
