There are a mere 42 weeks to go until the 2023 Melbourne Cup. We’re already dreaming of that first Tuesday in November and we make no apologies for that.
November 7th is the magic date and we’re taking a look at the early contenders. Lot’s will change between now and then, but we’ll be on top of the latest news regarding the horses, trainers, jockeys and more.
The European Challengers
After some of the veterinary testing eased, the European challengers showed much more interest in coming to race.
Deauville Legend arrived in Melbourne last year with a big reputation. After his impressive fourth place, James Ferguson’s runner is bound to be aimed at the race again. We’re not yet sure where he’ll begin his campaign, but he is bound to compete in the major staying races in England.
Johnny Murtagh’s Sonnyboyliston was meant to run in this race in the past before being ruled out. He was a Group 1 winner in 2021 and has every chance if he gets a clean lead-up.
Though many more will pop their heads above the parapet, one last European-trained runner to mention is Trawlerman.
The Gosden runner was an extraordinary winner of the Ebor last August. He didn’t take up his Melbourne Cup option in the end, but it’ll be interesting to see how he goes over the British summer.
The Home Challenge
Chris Waller will naturally be heavily involved this season.
He has Soulcombe in his yard now, formerly with the excellent William Haggas in England. He won the Melrose there, a three-year-old version of the Ebor, and he has already won a Queen’s Cup at Flemington so is an obvious contender.
Another for Waller is Francesco Guardi. The son of Frankel was formerly with Deauville Legend trainer, James Ferguson. He’s done well in Australia so far, running second in a Bart Cummings. We know therefore he handles Flemington, and he has since been a good winner of the Moonee Valley Gold Cup.
White Marlin is of interest for the Gai Waterhouse/Adrian Bott partnership. An Irish import, he’s already impressed around Rosehill and Caulfield. White Marlin is already challenging Soulcombe at the top of the market, around a 13.00 chance in the Melbourne Cup odds.
Last year’s winner Gold Trip can’t be discounted for a repeat. Maher & Eustace’s runner was extremely impressive last year and will definitely be back for more.
Lastly, the 2022 runner-up Emissary is another to watch closely for Michael Moroney. He was well thought of in England before his Cup run and he cannot be ignored.
We’ll have plenty more news on the 2023 Melbourne Cup as it develops during the year.
Read more news about the Melbourne Cup.
