As we saw, Without A Fight sprung to the head of the Melbourne Cup market recently. That market leader position has already changed several times over the past few months.
More changes are guaranteed too between now and November 7 but, as it stands mid-June, we take a closer look at the big three in the Melbourne Cup odds.
Goldman
Current odds on the TAB: $11.
Trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Goldman was a market springer in March. Back then, the lovely bay gelding took the Roy Higgins (Listed) in fine style. In winning that race, he not only stayed 2600 metres but also gained valuable winning experience at Flemington.
For good measure that day, Goldman also took care of Soulcombe. That horse had previously been at the top of the Cup market himself.
Goldman beat a fairly deep field at Flemington on March 25. Part of his price reflects the fact that his Roy Higgins win booked his place in the big one on November 7.
The team at home have not yet decided his route to the Cup. Protecting his handicap mark will be the main aim and lead-up races will be discussed in due course. Don’t be concerned if he doesn’t win a big race between now and the Cup.
Silver Sonic
Current odds on the TAB: $11.
Despite showing their class for many years at home, Japanese horses and trainers have only started to flex their muscles internationally in the past year or two. Boy, are they doing it with success.
Japanese runners have won big races in Dubai and in the USA. A much sought-after Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will surely arrive too.
They also appear to have a major shout in the Melbourne Cup with Silver Sonic. The Yasutoshi Ikee-trained galloper is some talent.
So far, Silver Sonic has won Group races over up to 3200 metres and beyond. He stays well and has tons of class, though how he’d be handicapped in Melbourne is another matter.
Damien Lane has been on board for wins at Nakayama in Japan and in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia too. He will surely help with a potential Melbourne Cup bid.
Without A Fight
Current odds on the TAB: $13.
As mentioned above, Without A Fight was the latest runner to throw his hat into the Melbourne Cup ring. Racing in the well-known Sheikh Mohammed Obaid colours, those in England are used to seeing him turn out for Simon and Ed Crisford.
He has experience of the Melbourne Cup having run in it in 2022 for his former handlers. Since moving permanently to Australia though, he is now 2 for 2.
His pair of Eagle Farm wins have come in the Group 3 Lord Mayor’s Cup and the Group 2 Q22. He was outstanding in the latter and is a genuine force now. His next race will be very interesting indeed.
