A number of jockeys based in Sydney have been given the green light to head to Victoria. It comes as we fast approach the Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup.
For more information on jockeys and their horses for this year’s edition, check out our Melbourne Cup odds page.
McDonald Among Five Riders Given Special Permission
James McDonald, who reacted with sheer joy, is joined by Hugh Bowman, Glen Boss, Kerrin McEvoy and Rachel King in being granted clearance to head to Melbourne. All five jocks can now travel to Melbourne on Sunday before entering quarantine for six days.
McEvoy and King will ride on both Victoria Derby Day and Melbourne Cup Day. Lightweight jockey King doesn’t have any confirmed bookings, but will be on hand should any opportunities arise.
McEvoy however has been confirmed for recent Bart Cummings scorer Grand Promenade in the Melbourne Cup.
Rachel King could yet prove to be very useful for some trainers at the Carnival. She can ride comfortably at 49kg, a skill that may well be needed for the big one on November 2.
McDonald and co have been given what is known as a ‘domestic border exemption’ in order to enter the state of Victoria. This is handed out only by the state government.\
While King and McEvoy may wait, Bowman, Boss and McDonald have been given the green light to ride in the Cox Plate. Bowman is due to take the mount aboard Mo’unga for Annabel Neasham, Zaaki’s stable companion, while Boss looks set to reunite with previous Cox Plate hero Sir Dragonet.
More Market Movers Becoming Apparent
As the jockey situation becomes clearer, so does the market for major upcoming races. That includes the fiercely competitive betting for the Melbourne Cup itself.
After the latest round of major lead-up events, long-time Cup market leader Incentivise no longer stands alone as the major market mover.
Peter Moody’s Makybe Diva and Turnbull Stakes winner has been handed a wide gate in the Caulfield Cup. In the $5 million event, Incentivise has been given “scary” gate 20 and will need to fly late to win.
Despite that in itself having no bearing on the upcoming Melbourne Cup, should Incentivise finish well beaten his price is bound to drift and it has meant advance bets on him drying up in recent days.
Clever punters of course may keep that in mind. Should Incentivise run well from barrier 20, even without winning, it in theory further boosts his claims at Flemington.
Meanwhile, support continues to come in for top British challenger Spanish Mission. Given the continued strong form of the stayers he’s been keeping company with in Europe, Andrew Balding’s runner keeps demanding the money despite the lack of a prep run having been held back in England longer than expected.
Spanish Mission at $7 is the only horse currently in single-figures in the market other than Incentivise ($5). Recent winner Delphi has been a major mover, joining former champ Twilight Payment on $11.
After winning the Bart Cummings, Grand Promenade has also been a big mover. As mentioned, he’ll be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy in the Cup and is now available at $15. The biggest changes in the market of all will be witnessed after this weekend’s Caulfield Cup, of that, we’re sure.
Read more news about the Melbourne Cup.
