The Melbourne Cup odds have changed once again after a scintillating weekend performance.
With the domestic Cup broadcast rights still up for grabs, how we watch the race and who goes off favourite for it is a changing situation. Eagle Farm was the latest place to provide us a potential star performer at Flemington on November 7.
Outstanding Group 2 Win at Eagle Farm
Melbourne’s $8 million showpiece has already had a changeable market months in advance of the race. Now, the former English-trained galloper Without A Fight has sprung to the top of the odds list.
After disappointing somewhat for former trainers Simon and Ed Crisford in last year’s Cup, he has won two from two in Australia for new handlers Anthony and Sam Freedman.
On Saturday, he was stunning in the Group 2 Q22 Stakes. The $1.2 million race, run over 2200 metres, saw Without A Fight head off favourite at $2.80 and he made no mistake under Mark Zahra.
As far back as 11th in the pack at one stage, Without A Fight’s turn of foot was electric. Sweeping the field, he ultimately won eased down by two lengths. In behind were Nonconformist and Duais, making the form look bombproof.
Gelding Top of Market for Cup and Cox Plate
Bookmakers in Australia and beyond have reacted quickly to the Q22. In many places, Without A Fight is now $12 joint-favourite for the Cup.
His performance really was one of a superstar. That was the visual impression at least. Onlookers at the weekend were using superlatives such as “he is very special” after his latest win. There is surely more to come from him too.
The son of Teofilo managed 17 starts in Europe for the Crisford team, plus one in Australia for them in the 2022 Cup. He was a Group 2 performer there, and now here, while he also successfully stayed 2800m there.
Having settled into life in Australia well, it seems we’re looking at a different animal now. He appears to have matured well with the Freedmans, the team behind Melbourne Cup success with Makybe Diva.
While, as mentioned, he is now favourite for the Melbourne Cup, his stock has risen for other top races. Without A Fight is now also favourite for the Cox Plate. On top of this, he is now challenging for favouritism in the Caulfield Cup too.
Mark Zahra, as it happens, was in the saddle when Gold Trip won the Cup last year. He may keep the ride on the race’s new favourite as he looks for a famous double.
It remains to be seen how good Without A Fight can be at various distances. All we do know is that, as of now at least, he has shown himself to be a versatile and classy horse. His next start should tell us a whole lot more.
