Looking for great betting angles in the run-up to the 2023 Melbourne Cup on November 7, we’ve already focused on the top warm-ups in Europe. Now, we’re staying a little closer to come.
Ballot exemption is offered in the Andrew Ramsden, the Bart Cummings and the Caulfield Cup. Though 2021 winner Verry Elleegant is a bit of an anomaly, the form of these races speaks for itself.
The Andrew Ramsden
An early prep race, this year’s Andrew Ramsden Stakes was run back in May. The Listed race is run over 2800 metres at Flemington, offering not only ballot exemption for the winner but also some crucial track experience.
Despite this being a “win and you’re in” race, recent runners in this contest haven’t won the Cup. That’s not to say it can’t happen of course, and this year’s race did look strong.
Graham Begg’s Lunar Flare won the race by a massive 5½ lengths. White Marlin was second for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, a horse who has been well touted for the Melbourne Cup. Hasta La War was back in third.
It may pay to keep an eye on this form, especially if the winner does well again in the spring in preparation.
The Bart Cummings
A major spring lead-up race offering a golden ticket is the famous Bart Cummings Stakes. Once again at Flemington, this time the race is a Group 3 run over 2500 metres.
The form of the Bart Cummings often literally shapes Melbourne Cup tips. The next running will be on October 7 and history tells us we should keep a sharp eye on it.
In 2016, Almandin went off 2/1 favourite for the Bart Cummings for trainer Robert Hickmott. He landed those odds in good style, yet was allowed to go off at 10/1 in the Melbourne Cup. He also won that, showing that the form of his race can be top-notch.
The Caulfield Cup
The biggest golden ticket of all is handed to the winner of the Caulfield Cup. One of the biggest races in Australia and indeed the world, the Caulfield Cup is run over 2400 metres at Group 1 level on October 21.
True, the distance is some 800m shy of the Melbourne Cup trip, but it has proven to be the best prep. Our 2022 winner, Gold Trip, was second in the Caulfield Cup before landing the big one. In 2019 Vow And Declare was also runner-up in this event before taking the Cup at Flemington under Craig Williams.
While only one golden ticket is given to the winner, there is a reason this is a better trial than the others. At $5 million, many top horses will be aimed at the race. The timing is also perfect as a Melbourne Cup prep.
Take major note of whoever is in the top three or four of this race. That is especially true of any strong late finishers.
