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FROM

BETSTAR today laid a bet to lose $1 million on Raheeb in the Cox Plate after one daring punter sensationally backed him at $41.00.

Formally trained by Tim Martin and now in his 1st preparation with Anthony Cummings, the lightly raced Raheeb had an impressive last start win in the Cameron Handicap at Newcastle beating a class field by over 3 lengths.

"It is good to see that he is finally putting it altogether and consequently punters will want to get on early" said BETSTARS Racing Manager Michael Horne.

Raheeb is currently a $4.00 favourite for the Epsom Handicap on 4th October; if he can win we will see him firm even more for the Cox Plate, added Horne. Currently BETSTAR have him at $26.00 to win the Cox Plate.

In other betting News, BETSTAR has also taken $30,000 Each Way on Romneya in the Thousand Guineas at $4.60. This exciting 3 year old filly, who is bred in the purple being by Red Ransom out of super racemare Mannington, had a very unlucky last start in the Tranquil Stakes, being beaten by Ortensia. Prior to this she ran second to Lord Tavistock at Flemington who is near the top of betting in the Caulfield Guineas.

Romneya's breeding value will skyrocket if she can win the Group 1 Thousand Guineas - and in turn looks to be a valuable investment to trainer Lee Freedman and her Darley owners. Currently she is second in the market at $4.00 while Samantha Miss retains favouritism at $3.20 in the Thousand Guineas.
 

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European galloper Septimus is now a clear favourite for November's Melbourne Cup after he escaped a penalty for his runaway win in the Irish St Leger over the weekend.

Eskander's Betstar has been forced to bring Septimus into $6 after two big bets were taken following the "no penalty" announcement by RVL handicapper Greg Carpenter.

"We've just laid two big bets on Septimus," Betstar racing manager Michael Horne said.

"We took $24,000 at $7.25 to win $150,000 and then $27,000 at $6.50 to win another $150,000."

"He's now into $6 outright favourite after not receiving a penalty for the Melbourne Cup."

"When people line up the form through Honolulu (who was penalised for a Group Two win), the price will shorten further."

"Honolulu ran second to Purple Moon in last year's Ebor. He then ran third, Mahler was second, in the St Leger."

"They filled the placings behind Efficient in the Melbourne Cup last year."

"Septimus wouldn't be mentioned in the same sentence as Honolulu. They are in a different class."

"This horse (Septimus) will be $4 on raceday, if not shorter. He is the best stay in the world currently."

Horne believes Efficient, who was the outright favourite leading into last weekend, has been weighted up to his best by the handicapper.

"Efficient has gone from 54kg to 58kg in this year's Cup."
 

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Classy gelding Zipping, coming off a gallant fourth in the recent Melbourne Cup, is the early $2.40 favourite for Saturday’s Group Two Sandown Classic (2400m).

The Lloyd Williams owned performer will be stepping out under the name of John Sadler for the first time since this week’s resignation of former trainer Graeme Rogerson.

Zipping, at $2.40, is well clear of his nearest rivals Blue Monday and The Fuzz, stablemates from the Hayes stable both marked at $8.

Speaking of stablemates, Zipping’s barn mate Extend is the next in the market at $8.50 after his impressive last start win at Flemington.

Meanwhile, the Lee Freedman trained filly Belcentra is the early favourite with Betstar for the Group Two Sandown Guineas (1600m).

A runaway winner in listed grade at her most recent outing, Belcentra is a $3.90 elect.

Others given a great chance include Zacroona ($6.50), El Mandon ($6.50), Schilling ($8) and Masked Assassin ($9.50).
 

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Two of the stars of the 2007 Spring Carnival have been installed the early favourites for Melbourne’s big three races for the 2008 Carnival.

Leading bookmaking operation Eskander’s Betstar has released markets for the 2008 carnival today.

The release of markets enables punters to grab the early odds about their spring fancy with some of the early risk removed.

Any bets placed on horses who are not entered at the initial nomination stage next year will be refunded.

Maldivian, one of the revelations of the spring carnival, is the early favourite for the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate.

The Mark Kavanagh trained son of Zabeel is the $14 elect for the Caulfield Cup.

Next in the Caulfield Cup market at $16 are Fiumicino and Kibbutz, while VRC Oaks winner Arapaho Miss shares the third of betting at $17 with this year’s winner Master O’Reilly and top galloper Zipping.

Just behind them in the betting for the mile and a half feature are Devil Moon, Littorio, Pompeii Ruler, Serious Speed, Tuesday Joy and Weekend Hussler.

Maldivian also heads the betting for next year’s Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley.

At $13 he is the popular elect with Betstar ahead of this year’s winner El Segundo and boom three-year-old Weekend Hussler, both marked at $15.

Miss Finland, Pompeii Ruler and Viva Pataca share the third line of betting at $17.

Next at $21 for the Cox Plate are Devil Moon, Fiumicino and Mentality.

Meanwhile, recent impressive Victoria Derby winner Kibbutz is the opening $15 favourite for the 2008 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington.

Prepared by David Hayes, Kibbutz is two dollars shorter in betting than equal second favourites Efficient and Master O’Reilly (both at $17).

Sharing the third line of betting are Arapaho Miss, Fiumicino, Littorio, Meisho Samson and Tuesday Joy.

Those aspirants listed at $26 are Light Vision, Maldivian, Pop Rock, Purple Moon, Tosho Knight and Zipping.
 

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Punters are getting into the groove on the eve of the fourth and final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival with Eskander’s Betstar.

Interest in tomorrow’s Group One Emirates Stakes is strong with three runners particularly proving popular with punters.

Earlier today Betstar took a $75,000 win bet on star three-year-old Weekend Hussler at $2.20. He’s now into $2.05 and is a firm favourite for the mile feature.

Lee Freedman’s lightly raced but highly talented performer Sonic Quest has also attracted strong interest since $7.50 was offered yesterday.

Today the bets on Sonic Quest have included $1,000 at $7, $2,000 at $6.50 and $8,000 at $5.50. Sonic Quest is now at $5.

A $2,500 bet on outsider Orange County has seen his price slashed from $41 to $23.

Meanwhile, Miss Andretti and Gold Edition, as expected continue to dominate the market for the Age Classic.

Miss Andretti is at $1.45, while Gold Edition is the clear second pick at $3.50.
 

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* Lee Freedman's flying galloper Sonic Quest continues to be heavily fancied on Centrebet to bring down star three-year-old Weekend Hussler in this Saturday's Group 1 Emirates Stakes at Flemington.

Centrebet's Neil Evans said four-year-old Sonic Quest, who has only missed a place once in 10 starts, has been smashed from $7.00 into $5.00 in the mile classic via a string of big bets, and loomed as the only rival to favourite Weekend Hussler who has eased to $2.25 from $2.10!

"Sonic Quest has won six from 10, and his last-start victory at Moonee Valley proves he's at his best over 1600m and with plenty of galloping room," Evans said. "And we believe that race will continue to prove a very strong formline."

Evans said the moment we opened the Emirates book, the money came for Sonic Quest. "Weekend Hussler is a star well and truly on the rise. He smashed them in the Caulfield Guineas over 1600m and then came back on Derby Day to win the Coolmore Stakes (1200m) down the straight. But now he goes to open class against some seasoned sprinter-milers, and while on quality and at the weights he looks to have nearly all their measure, Sonic Quest is a genuine threat, and the money has continued to pour in," Evans added.

"Weekend Hussler is drawn wide and could be under the odds, while Sonic Quest was certainly better value than Bart Cummings' Cox Plate runner-up Wonderful World who has eased from $6.00 to $7.00."

Evans said the Paul Dawson-trained Roman Squire had been specked by punters firming from $19.00 into $15.00!

* Meanwhile, Centrebet is not prepared to concede Lee Freedman's world champion mare Miss Andretti automatically has the better of Toowoomba rival Gold Edition in their sprinting re-match in the Group 1 The Age Classic (1200m) down the Flemington straight.

"We opened Miss Andretti up at $1.50 which is about as good as you can get and Gold Edition at $3.00," Evans said. "Miss Andretti came back to the track brilliantly at Moonee Valley, but Gold Edition will be much better this time back at Flemington where she can dictate more over the straight six furlongs. She will bowl along more freely, and is certainly capable of turning the tables on Miss Andretti."

Evans said last-start Flemington winner Swick had been specked early by punters at $12.00!

* And Lovetrista has opened a $2.25 favourite on Centrebet to win tomorrow's NZ Bloodstock 1000 Guineas! "Lovtrista has plenty of quality, and this isn't a strong Guineas. I think she's a good thing."
 

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* Leading bookmaker Centrebet says Lee Freedman's highly consistent galloper Sonic Quest is primed to lower the boom on star three-year-old Weekend Hussler in this Saturday's Group 1 Emirates Stakes at Flemington.

Centrebet's Neil Evans said Sonic Quest, who has only missed a place once in 10 starts, has already been backed from $7.00 into $6.50 in the mile classic, and loomed as the only rival to $2.10 favourite Weekend Hussler!

"Sonic Quest has won six from 10, and his last-start victory at Moonee Valley proves he's at his best over 1600m," Evans said. "And we believe that race will continue to prove a very strong formline."

Evans said the moment we opened the Emirates book, the money came for Sonic Quest. "Weekend Hussler is a star well and truly on the rise. He smashed them in the Caulfield Guineas over 1600m and then came back on Derby Day to win the Coolmore Classic (1200m) down the straight. But now he goes to open class against some seasoned sprinter-milers, and while on quality alone he looks to have nearly all their measure, Sonic Quest is a genuine threat," Evans added.

"Weekend Hussler is drawn wide and could be under the odds, while Sonic Quest is certainly better value than Bart Cummings' Cox Plate runner-up Wonderful World."

Evans said the Paul Dawson-trained Roman Squire had been specked early by punters firming from $19.00 into $15.00!

* Meanwhile, Centrebet is not prepared to concede Lee Freedman's world champion mare Miss Andretti automatically has the better of Toowoomba rival Gold Edition in their sprinting re-match in the Group 1 Age Classic (1200m) down the Flemington straight.

"We opened Miss Andretti up at $1.50 which is about as good as you can get and Gold Edition at $3.00," Evans said. "Miss Andretti came back to the track brilliantly at Moonee Valley, but Gold Edition will be much better this time back at Flemington where she can dictate more over the straight six furlongs. She will bowl along more freely, and is certainly capable of turning the tables on Miss Andretti."

Evans said last-start Flemington winner Swick had been specked early by punters at $12.00!
 

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* Centrebet has announced a record turnover day for the Melbourne Cup, hailing its new 'Race That Stops the Nation' on-line promotion as a raging success!

Centrebet's Neil Evans said clients big and small from around the corner and around the world had enjoyed the Centrebet service right up until the Flemington starter let them go at 3pm (AEDT).

Evans said Melbourne Cup turnover had increased this year by a staggering 83 per cent, while turnover for the full 10-race card at Flemington was up by 60 per cent, Australian racing on the day rose 53 per cent, and the percentage of all racing, including UK clients, had increased by a very healthy 60 per cent! Actual bet numbers were up by more than 100 per cent as well which is great proof of the overall popularity!"

"We had a terrific day, with turnover up incredibly on the previous year, even allowing for all the uncertainty equine influenza cast over the early part of the Spring," Evans said. "We did a lot of Cup promotion and public commentary and set up a special "24 Reasons To Have a Melbourne Cup Bet with Us" on-line site. We held nearly $1.5 million on the Cup alone and nearly $2.5 million for the day."

"We kept the domestic and international public informed about price fluctuations, and even enjoyed a significant increase in international turnover, with many Centrebet punters from across the UK and Ireland wagering hard on what were very competitive prices for Purple Moon and Mahler."

Evans said it was all about quick access, good pricing and keeping customers informed right up to the minute! "You always get a bit nervous on the big day, but our on-line Cup promotion and PR vehicle worked a treat, even under heavy betting pressure. We can now look forward to another busy betting day tomorrow on Oaks Day and then again on Saturday when Stakes Day wraps up a successful and fascinating week-long Melbourne Cup carnival."

"Of course this is all part of our unrivalled commitment to the world's biggest sporting and entertainment events right throughout the calendar year!" Evans added.
 

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Firmers

Master O’Reilly - $5.50 into $4.60
Zipping - $9 into $8
Purple Moon - $9 into $8.50
Efficient - $21 into $17
Gallic - $21 into $18
Tungsten Strike - $41 into $31
Blue Monday - $51 into $36
Black Tom - $251 to $201

Drifters

Mahler - $8.50 to $10
Sirmione - $13 to $15
Princess Coup - $13 to $15
Maybe Better - $15 to $17
Blutigeroo - $36 to $41
Sculptor - $36 to $41
Douro Valley – $41 to $51
Tawqeet - $51 to $61
 

FROM

Master O’Reilly & Purple Moon Top Melbourne Cup Betting

A 24 strong field will go to post for the 2007 Emirates Melbourne Cup at Flemington Park on Tuesday. The line-up is headed by the BMW Caulfield Cup winner Master O’Reilly, and the British raider Purple Moon, who currently share 9-2 favouritism with William Hill for the 2 mile contest.

Other notable entries include the Aidan O’Brien trained Mahler, who has been backed down from 33-1 to 8-1 in recent weeks, and the Bart Cummings trained Sirmione, who could provide his trainer with his twelfth winner of the Melbourne Cup.

Tuesday 6^th November

Melbourne Cup (William Hill Bet): 9-2 Purple Moon, Master O'Reilly, 7-1 Zipping, 8-1 Mahler, 11-1 Princess Coup,12-1 Sirmione, 14-1 Maybe Better, 16-1 Efficient,, 18-1 Gallic, 25-1 Eskimo Queen, 28-1 Douro Valley, On A Jeune, Sculptor, Tungsten Strike, 33-1 Blutigeroo, Lazer Sharp, The Fuzz, 40-1 Blue Monday,  50-1  Dolphin Jo, Tawqeet,  66-1 Scenic Shot, 80-1 Sarrera, 200-1 Black Tom, Railings,  E/W 1/4 odds 1,2,3,4

Which stall will the winner come from? 7-2 (Stalls 1-6), 11-4 (Stalls 7-12), 15-8 (Stalls 13-18), 11-4 (Stall 19-24)

A European Trained Winner of the Melbourne Cup: 5-2
 

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Firmers

Master O’Reilly - $5.50 into $5
Mahler - $9 into $8.50
Purple Moon - $10 into $9
Princess Coup - $15 into $13
Blue Monday - $51 into $41
Sarrera - $101 into $81

Drifters

Zipping - $8 to $8.50
Sirmione - $11 to $13
Efficient - $15 to $17
Blutigeroo - $31 to $36
Sculptor - $31 to $36
Douro Valley - $36 to $41
The Fuzz - $36 to $41
Dolphin Jo - $41 to $51
Scenic Shot - $81 to $101
 

FROM

Thousands of dollars have poured on to both horses from around the country, especially the Aidan O'Brien-trained invader Mahler who has firmed from $10.00 to $8.50.

Centrebet's Neil Evans said several four-figure bets have come for Mahler, with a growing thought among smart punters the horse will race forward and be hard to run down on what could well turn out to be a soft and leader-biased track!

Money is also starting to come in for Luca Cumani's Irish stayer Purple Moon who has firmed half a point today from $9.50 to $9.00!

"Punters have also specked a few out in the market, including Caulfield Cup runner-up Douro Valley and 2005 Melbourne Cup place-getter On A Jeune who's firmed from $31.00 to $21.00," Evans said.

"We've kept Master o'Reilly at $5.50 so he's still very backable. He has undoubted class, but I think he's still a risk over the two miles, and Purple Moon is one horse that will be stronger over the final furlong."

"Zipping is a solid $8.00 chance on Centrebet, while last year's Derby winner Efficient is unwanted by punters at $17.00
 

FROM

* The Graeme Rogerson-trained Lloyd Williams-owned stayer Zipping is continuing to be well backed on Centrebet - and is now an $8.00 chance to win next Tuesday's Group 1 Melbourne Cup at Flemington!

After the barrier draw tonight - and final withdrawals including Miss Finland - Caulfield Cup winner Master O'Reilly remains the $5.50 favourite on Centrebet, but Zipping, who stormed home to run third in the MacKinnon Stakes, has displaced the Luca Cumani-trained Purple Moon on the second line of betting. The Irish galloper is now quoted at $9.00!

UK galloper Mahler is next at $10, while New Zealand's MacKinnon Stakes runner-up Princess Coup has been well backed on both sides of the Tasman and has shortened to $11.00, and Bart Cummings' shock MacKinnon winner Sirmione has been priced at $13.00 after being more than 100/1 as little as a week ago!

Last year's VRC Derby winner Efficient, once touted as Cup favourite, has now eased out to $17.00, alongside last year's third place-getter in the Cup Maybe Better. Struggling 2005 Caulfield Cup winner Railings is Centrebet's rank outsider in the race at $301.00!

The surprise SAAB Quality winner Sculptor has come up at $41.00!

Centrebet's Neil Evans said Zipping was backed before the MacKinnon and there was more money for it after the race. "He's on track to go better than his fourth last year in what is clearly a weaker Cup field this time around," Evans said.

"The great value in the race must now be Purple Moon. The two miles of Flemington is ideal, and his lead-up form has been outstanding. As well, Purple Moon meets Master O'Reilly 3 kilo's better for the mile-and-a-half at Caulfield.

"There's still plenty of money coming in for Master O'Reilly and UK invader Mahler, but at this stage Maybe Better is unwanted."
 

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* The John Hawkes-trained Marching has been heavily backed by punters on Centrebet and is pressing Kibbutz for favouritism in tomorrow's Group 1 VRC derby for three-year-olds at Flemington.

"We have taken some very big bets on Marching today, and he's by far our worst way at the moment," Centrebet's Neil Evans said. "Marching's carrying three times as much money as any other runner - and has firmed from $4.50 into $4.30. But we'll hold his price out there - he's far from over the line."

Centrebet still has Kibbutz a $4.00 favourite believing it can turn the tables on Marching! "The 2500m of Flemington should be right up Kibbutz's alley, but I also believe Villain and Stockade will be competitive over the longer trip."

* Meanwhile, SA mare Devil Moon is the best backed runner in the Group 1 MacKinnons Stakes, firming today from $6.50 into $5.50.

"It's been a very big "go" on Devil Moon. punters think she can sit up and dominate the race, like she did in the Turnbull a couple of weeks back. Devil Moon has a liking for Flemington, but there's some very fit and quality horses behind her who could carry off the race at a big price. Zipping is one of those who's been backed from $21.00 into $17.00."

Evans said Haradasun is an easing $3.40 favourite, while Miss Finland is holding her quote at $4.50. The only other well-backed runner is controversial three-year-old Pillar of Hercules who's been backed from $15.00 to $13.00.

The best backed galloper across the Derby program today is Ballerina Girl in the Plate for two-year-olds!
 

FROM

First there was Vintage Crop, then Media Puzzle, now the Irish are eyeing off their third Melbourne Cup triumph in 14 years, with leading bookmaker Centrebet claiming Purple Moon is the measuring stick in the race!

After Dermot Weld trained world class Vintage Crop to glory in 1993 and repeated the dose with Media Puzzle in 2002, now Luca Cumani is desperate to take our greatest turf prize back to the Emerald Isle. Centrebet’s Neil Evans said 12 months after Cumani tested the Cup water with Glistening and Soulacroix, he’s arrived with a horse that’s been perfectly tuned for the two miles next Tuesday.

“Ever since Purple Moon came from last in a big field over 2800m to win at York a few months back, the stable has had the Melbourne Cup in mind,” Evans said. “The Caulfield Cup run when he was badly held up in the straight confirms his potential, and that still looms as the best formline, especially considering Master O’Reilly’s jockey Vlad Duric has written off many local rivals.

“You have to question whether the classier locals are going well enough to beat Purple Moon over two miles. All this horse needs is an even shot at them from the 600 – and the long straight should do the rest, especially getting a three-kilo weight pull on the Master.”

The form from Purple Moon’s feature win at Goodwood also stacks up well, and Cumani showed his determination by immediately sacking Caulfield Cup rider Kerrin McEvoy for Damien Oliver who ironically saluted on Media Puzzle five years ago!

Purple Moon is a rock-solid $7.00 second favourite on Centrebet behind the heavily-backed Master O’Reilly who has firmed from $5.50 to $4.80 this week. “Apart from Master O’Reilly, last year’s Derby winner Efficient, the consistent Zipping, 2005 place-getter On A Jeune and even outsiders Eskimo Queen and Princess Coup all have cases, but Purple Moon is the yardstick,” Evans added.

Meanwhile, rich-list galloper Haradasun has been left the $3.30 favourite on Centrebet for Saturday’s Group 1 MacKinnon Stakes after the scratching today of top fancy and Cox Plate winner El Segundo! The best backing, though, has come for SA mare Devil Moon who’s firmed into $6.00, while Miss Finland is rated $4.50! In Saturday’s VRC Derby, Kibbutz remains the $4.00 fancy ahead of the heavily-backed Marching ($4.50), while boom three-year-old and Caulfield Guineas winner Weekend Hussler is a $1.60 favourite to win the Ascot Vale Stakes ahead of Royal Asscher ($4.40).
 

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* The quinella pairing from Saturday's AAMI Vase are the big movers on Centrebet's VRC Derby (2500m) market after drawing good barriers for the Group 1 three-year-old classic at Flemington this Saturday!

The David Hayes-trained Kibbutz has firmed up from $4.20 to $3.80 after drawing nicely in gate seven, while the well-backed Marching, trained by John Hawkes, is into $4.50 after the draw, but most of the good chances drew well in a modest field of 13, with Villain (also $4.50) jumping from nine. Littorio will jump from the fence in gate one and has shortened half a point to $5.50.

"Kibbutz should be able to position up one off the fence for the trip from his middle gate, and then it's simply up to Craig Williams to time his run from behind," Centrebet's Neil Evans said. "There's little depth in this race, and I'm confident Kibbutz can beat Marching home. He will run out a much stronger 2500m!"

* In the Group 1 weight-for-age Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) Cox Plate hero El Segundo is Centrebet's $3.50 favourite after drawing barrier six. "The horse doesn't like to be too cluttered up so the draw suits. Danny Brereton hops on for the suspended Luke Nolen, but El Segundo will virtually travel in the same spot as he did in the Cox Plate, and be mighty hard to beat," Evans said.

The punters' achilles heel from the Plate - Haradasun - has drawn nicely in two and is quoted around $4.20. "Haradasun will get a cosy run, and although the spacious Flemington track will suit the horse, I believe you still have to question his commitment if it becomes a drive to the line! Miss Finland will open around $5.60 on Centrebet after drawing poorly, while another Melbourne Cup hopeful Zipping has also drawn wide. But last year's third placegetter in the Cup Maybe Better drew nicely in gate two!
 

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Kibbutz has been backed into favouritism for Saturday’s Group One Victoria Derby.

The David Hayes trained three-year-old, who ran an eye catching second to Marching in Saturday’s AAMI Vase at Moonee Valley, has been the subject of good support with punters.

One bet in particular ($80,000 at $5.25) was responsible for his price being cut to $4.

“He is clearly the best backed runner in the past couple of days for the Derby,” Betstar’s Michael Horne said today. “We originally installed Marching the favourite after the AAMI Vase, but the money suggests Kibbutz will be more suited by the Derby distance.”

Derby support has also been received for Lee Freedman’s Husonic and Danny O’Brien’s Villain.

“We took $2,500 each way on Husonic at $26 and with some other smaller bets he’s into $17 now,” Horne added. “And Villain continues to be popular - $4,000 at $5.50 and $2,000 at $5 in recent times.”

Meanwhile, Master O’Reilly retains his place as the Melbourne Cup favourite with punters as Australia’s most famous race nears.

The Caulfield Cup winner is into $4.60 after a punter plonked $10,000 on the kiwi bred at $4.80.

Purple Moon, Gallic and Sculptor have also been popular at longer odds.

Overseas invader Purple Moon had $1,500 placed on him at $8 (he’s now $7), Moonee Valley Cup winner Gallic had a bet of $1,000 at $15 (remains $15), while longshot Sculptor at $331 was the subject of a $200 win bet.
 

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Caulfield Cup winner Master O’Reilly has been heavily backed on Centrebet to win next Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup, firming into a $4.80 favourite! And the David Hayes-trained former Kiwi Kibbutz is the bookmaking giant’s new favourite to win the Group 1 VRC Derby for three-year-olds!

Centrebet’s Neil Evans said a flood of money has arrived for the Danny O’Brien-trained stayer Master O’Reilly who’s attempting to become the first horse since Kiwi mare Ethereal in 2001 to do the famous Cups double.

“They’re really coming for him now. He’s got in from $5.50 to $4.60 in the last 24 hours before settling at $4.80,” Evans said. “There’s a number of large bets on the Master and right now he’s carrying four times as much money as any other runner.”

“Purple Moon is rock solid at $7.00, while embattled mare Miss Finland has firmed from $13.00 to $12.00. Maybe Better and Moonee Valley Cup winner Gallic have both eased out!

Evans said Kibbutz was now the best backed runner and has displaced Villain at the top of Derby betting! “They’ve backed a few runners with us, but the money for Kibbutz is significant. He’s $4.60 into $4.20, and punters were quietly impressed with his second placing behind Marching in the AAMI Vase at Moonee Valley on Sunday.”

Evans described the quality of this year’s Derby make-up as one of the worst in history, and said Villain was now quoted at $4.60, while Marching had eased from $4.80 to $5.00. Stockade has also been backed, firming from $19.00 to $14.00!

And the Graeme Rogerson-trained Extend is Centrebet’s well-fancied $3.30 favourite for tomorrow’s Werribee Cup (2000m).

“Extend has a bit of quality about him, but Blue Collar Jack ($5.50) is rated a big danger. There’s also been a bit of early backing for Ballack ($8.50), disappointing at its last start.
 

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* Rich list galloper Haradasun is almost certain to displace Miss Finland as Cox Plate favourite today on Centrebet as more money pours in for the Tony Vasil-trained galloper.

"It came in droves last night and early this morning," Centrebet's Neil Evans said. "We took a stack last night as it shortened a full point from $5.50 to $4.50, and another $20,000.00 this morning has seen Haradasun hold its quote at $4.50. It has eased off a bit as money has come for Miss Finland ($4.30) and the Mark Cavanagh-trained mare Devil Moon who's firmed from $7.00 to $6.50 before easing again."

Evans said well-fancied El Segundo is now on the drift - $6.00 out to $6.50 on Centrebet - and will probably start even longer! Kiwi rank outsider Magic Cape has been well specked and has shortened from $81.00 to $61.00! WA star Marasco has eased to $19.00 and is unwanted by punters.

"Haradasun is carrying by far the biggest load, but Miss Finland at a somewhat luxury price, and good early backing for Efficient ($9.00) are also bad results for us," Evans said.

* And some Centrebet punters don't believe it's a two-horse star match race in the Schweppes Stakes (1200m) between returning $1.70 favourite (in from $1.75) Miss Andretti and Gold Edition ($2.80). "We've had some very big and smart money on WA sprinter Let Go Thommo who's firmed from $12.00 to $10.00. Of course, there's money for the top two, they're all class, but if they go too hard they could set it up for 'Thommo'," Evans said.

* The best backed runner today has been Lee Freedman's Royal Asscher to win race 3 - City Pacific Finance Stakes ((1200m)! "They've backed him to the exclusion of every other runner and he's in to $2.30, but that will shorten up again by the time the starter lets them go."
 

FROM

Haradasun has been the subject of strong support by punters with Eskander’s Betstar today and the expensive entire is now the new favourite for the Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley tomorrow.

For the first time in about nine weeks glamour mare Miss Finland has been replaced as top elect for Australia’s weight for age championship.

“We’ve had good money late today for Haradasun,” Betstar’s Michael Horne confirmed. “Earlier he was $4.40 – but we had $25,000 on him and wound him into $4.20 – and again another punter stepped in with another $25,000.”

“He’s now into $4 and Miss Finland has drifted to $4.60,” Horne added. “Haradasun is usually popular with punters on race days, so I’m thinking he could start favourite tomorrow.”

Betstar has also reported good interest today at long odds in Eskimo Queen, the Michael Moroney trained mare who slipped in the gates prior to the Caulfield Cup and become cast. She is $34 into $26 today.

“She’s been particularly coupled heavily in doubles,” Horne said of Eskimo Queen.
 

FROM

Miss Finland is an easing favourite, Haradasun is the best backed, while El Segundo is well fancied, but leading bookmaker Centrebet believes ageing wonder Lad of the Manor is about to pull off one of the greatest Cox Plate upsets in history!

Centrebet currently has long-shot Lad of the Manor a little “safe” at $26.00 well behind Miss Finland ($4.10) and the heavily-backed Haradasun who’s firmed from $6.50 to $5.00. El Segundo is on the third line of betting at $6.00.

“It’s incredible to think we’ve taken a tonne of money on Miss Finland in all forms of betting, nearly $40,000.00 on Haradasun, and plenty on both El Segundo and Efficient – and absolute peanuts for Lad of the Manor, but we rate him a real chance in the race!” Centrebet’s Neil Evans said.

“His run behind Divine Madonna in the Toorak at Caulfield was a beauty. He reeled off the quickest closing sectional after being left completely flat-footed at the top of the straight. This is top shelf, but it will suit him. He loves Moonee Valley, and is really the forgotten horse at weight-for-age. He’ll run an enormous race – and represents the best value by a country mile.”

Evans said punters have climbed into Haradasun today, with tens of thousands of dollars invested. Efficient has also received a string of four-figure bets at good odds and remains one of the bookmaker’s worst results!

Evans said El Segundo and Haradasun both remained the true testing material in the race, with the latter likely to displace Miss Finland as favourite by race start!
 

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* Centrebet punters nation-wide are rallying for last year's VRC Derby winner Efficient and boom "rich list" galloper Haradasun ahead of mighty mare and shaky favourite Miss Finland for Saturday's WS Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley!

And last year's Cox Plate second place-getter El Segundo has also attracted good support on Centrebet in what is looming as a weight-for-age betting war between those four horses!

Centrebet's Neil Evans said although $50,000,00 had been wagered on Miss Finland, most of that was in early all-in betting. She has fluctuated anywhere between $3.80 and $4.00, but punters are threatening to drop off her!

"The best early plonk though was for Haradasun. He firmed from $6.50 into $5.40 in no time and could still start Cox Plate favourite," Evans said. "We've taken over $40,000.00 on Haradasun, but in the last 24 hours the money has been more towards Efficient, including bets of $12,000.00 and $10,000.00 at $10.00."

Evans said the brave money - nearly $50,000.00 in total - for Efficient has seen him firm from $10.00 to $8.50! "We've taken a stack of smaller bets too. I say it's brave because I don't give Efficient much of a chance in this field. He's still got a Melbourne Cup preparation look about him, and he's too dour at the moment to win a race like this. Yet, he will no doubt be one of our worst results!"

Evans said over $35,000.00 had been plunged on Haradasun and less on El Segundo. "I would take note of that money because my ratings suggest these two will fight the race out in a repeat finish of the Dato Tam Nin Chan where El Segundo prevailed in a tight finish. Haradasun's the fresher horse but I see El Segundo tracking him all the way in a drive to the line - and winning! I think Miss Finland will have to travel pretty forward, otherwise she might get lost from the one gate."

South Australian back-marker Divine Madonna has firmed a point after good backing ($12,000.00 invested), while much-impoved fellow SA mare Devil Moon, despite coming in with a string of impressive wins, is virtually unwanted by punters, despite her lofty price in the market.

Evans said ageing Moonee Valley specialist Lad Of The Manor ($34.00) was the best long-shot in the race!
 

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* Master O'Reilly has charged into $5.50 favourite with Centrebet to win this year's Melbourne Cup after its barn-storming victory in yesterday's drama-charged Caulfield Cup.

The Danny O'Brien-trained galloper has been well backed today and firmed dramatically in Melbourne Cup betting from $9.00! He will try to become the first horse since mighty NZ mare Ethereal in 2001 to do the famous Cups double!

"Master O'Reilly's preparation for a dual Cups assault has been pretty close to spot-on, and even allowing for the sudden and upsetting barrier scratching of heavily-backed Caulfield Cup favourite Maldivian, we always believed the 'Master' would take a big hand in both Cups this year," Centrebet's Neil Evans said.

The Luca Cumani-trained Irish stayer Purple Moon has also firmed, now on the second line at $7.00, after his strong closing sixth in yesterday's Caulfield Cup! "The depth might not quite be there this year, so you have to draw a fairly strong form line under the Caulfield Cup," Evans said. "Miss Finland has eased to $9.00, while Maybe Better and Efficient share the next line on Centrebet at $10.00!

* And in Cox Plate betting with Centrebet, Haradasun has been the best backed runner over the weekend, firming from $6.50 into $5.50. "He's on track nicely Haradasun, particularly with a question mark over $3.20 favourite Miss Finland around the Valley," Evans said! Moonee Valley specialist El Segundo has also firmed from $8.00 into $6.50!
 

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* Douro Valley - the last stayer to beat rampant Maldivian - and Master O'Reilly are the best-backed runners on Centrebet outside the raging favourite for today's Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m)!

Centrebet's Neil Evans said there had been "smart" money overnight and today for both stayers, with Douro Valley and Master O'Reilly firming in to $10.00.

"It still hasn't stopped punters lining up for Maldivian at around 6/4, but we've taken a series of sizeable bets on the other two, including one of $12,000.00 on Douro Valley at $11.00, and $10,000.00 on Master O'Reilly at $11.00," Evans said. "We also took a $15,000.00 bet yesterday from across the Tasman for Kelt Capital Stakes winner and NZ Oaks champ Princess Coup. The one horse they don't seem to want at the moment is Eskimo Queen - she's $8.50 out to $9.50.

"The money for Maldivian is now over $150,000.00. At this stage we're still looking for something to beat him, and I really believe Master O'Reilly can be that horse. Danny O'Brien's got him on track beautifully for the Cups double!"

In the International Sprint (1100m) there has been very big backing for WA gelding Let Go Thommo! "He's $9.00 into $7.50, with tens of thousands invested," Evans said. "They've come for him strong in what will be a top betting race. Undue has also firmed from $7.00 to $6.50 and last-start winner Stanzout ($6.00 into $5.00), while highly-rated Tim Martin-trained sprinter Typhoon Zed and Shadoways have both been a little easy."

But the best backed runner so far is in race 2 (Pure Blonde Plate - 1400m) the Darren Weir-trained filly Miss Tomma Hawk. "She's been a sensational go this morning - $5.50 into $4.80 with more to come," Evans said.
 

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* A Kiwi punter has placed $15,000.00 on Kelt Capital Stakes winner Princess Coup at $15.00 with Centrebet to win tomorrow's Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m)!

Princess Coup firmed immediately into $14.00 after the NZ plunge, fuelling belief the Matamata back-marker can steal the Cup from his Australian rivals.

"The horse had already been specked from well out, but the 15k pounce today suggests the NZ Oaks champ is well in this race," Centrebet's Neil Evans said. "Her win in the Kelt Capital was a beauty and the form has stacked up okay, so if the pace is on, she should get home well, particularly if Glen Boss can get her in somewhere from the wide gate."

Evans said the Mark Cavangh-trained Maldivian was still a raging $2.50 favourite with Centrebet, with over $100,000.00 now invested on the runaway Yalumba Stakes winner.

"He's at a top stayer's price, and with Miss Finland on his scalp belt, they'll all be looking for Maldivian. Personally, I think he's very average value, and it's no suprise there's been good backing for Master O'Reilly who's shortend from $12.00 to $10.00, and Douro Valley, solid at $11.00," Evans said.

Master O'Reilly has attracted over $10,000.00 today and could push Eskimo Queen ($8.00) for the second line of betting by race start!

"I also think Mandela is the best roughie in the race. He's $31.00, and the run behind Princess Coup at Hastings was very good."
 

FROM

Caulfield Cup favourite Maldivian has eased this morning from $2.40 to $2.50 as some big bets flow in for his main rivals in Saturday’s $2.5 million race.

Barn mates Douro Valley and Master Reilly and fellow fancies Eskimo Queen and Maybe Better have all been the subject today of strong interest.

Eskander’s Betstar took two big bets on the Danny O’Brien prepared stablemates Douro Valley and Master O’Reilly – with the former being well supported to take the big Cups double.

“This morning we’ve had a bet of $500,000 to $40,000 at $13 for Douro Valley – he’s now into $11,” Betstar’s Michael Horne said.

“We’ve also laid Douro Valley to win both Cups in the double markets to lose $500,000.

“There was also a $500,000 to $50,000 bet at $13 for his stablemate Master O’Reilly,” Horne added.

Other bets taken this morning include $4,500 on Eskimo Queen at $8.50 and $3,000 on Maybe Better at $11.
 

FROM

Mark Kavanagh’s Zabeel gelding Maldivian continues to shorten as Saturday’s $2.5 million Caulfield Cup (2400m) approaches.

A winner of Saturday’s Yalumba Stakes over Miss Finland, Maldivian is the current $2.60 favourite for the mile and a half feature after the announcement of the final field this afternoon.

Eskimo Queen, the reigning Queensland Oaks winner, is the only other runner currently under $10. The Michael Moroney trained mare is at $8.

Betstar’s Michael Horne said Maldivian was all the rage in betting.

“All of the tickets we’re writing at the moment seem to be for Maldivian,” Horne said. “Punters seem only interested in one horse.”
 

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* Arcadia and Absolut Glam have dominated betting on Centrebet today for tomorrow's Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield!

"They are easily the best backed, more so the Danny O"Brien-trained Absolut Glam who is rock-solid at $5.00 after shortening quickly from $6.50," Centrebet's Neil Evans said. "Arcadia has also shortened to $6.00 clear second-elect, and they should go to the post clear top two in the market. Jestatune has also been nicely tried, and there's been decent specking for a number of other runners which is not unexpected given the lack of depth in three-year-old form, but punters have really come for the first two."

So many of these runners come out of the Edward Manifold form, and the luckless story of the race has to be Jestatune! "She's $11.00 into $7.50 and in my opinion a massive chance in the race. You'll blow me over with a straw if the betting doesn't hold up - the winner should come from Absolut Glam, Arcadia or Jestatune."

* Centrebet reports huge backing for Maldivian to win Saturday's time-honoured Caulfield Cup (2400m)!

"Punters have stacked up the form, and listened to a number of big trainers who have declared Maldivian virtually unbeatable. We've taken over $35,000 just today on this front-running warrior and he's in to $2.90. His market dominance is so much, Eskimo Queen is on the next line at $7.50, with four gallopers equally quoted at $11.00," Evans said.

Double-figure chances Anamato ($11.00), Master O'Reilly ($11.00), Douro Valley ($11.00) and Kelt Capital Stakes winner Princess Coup ($15.00) have also been backed!
 

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Eskander’s Betstar Media Release

Confident the three hot favourites at Caulfield tomorrow will win - or do you think at least one will be beaten? Now you can put your money where your mouth is.

Eskander's Betstar has this afternoon released a market called "Two Mares and a Baby."

If you think Gold Edition, Miss Finland and Weekend Hussler will all win - take the $5.20 on offer. Or is there a weakness among the trio - take the $1.15 for any of the three to be beaten.

Gold Edition is the current $1.70 favourite for the Schillaci Stakes, Miss Finland the $1.75 elect for the Yalumba Stakes and Weekend Hussler is all the rage at $1.75 for the Caulfield Guineas.

The latest markets for tomorrow as well as the remaining of the spring carnival follow:

TWO MARES AND A BABY

$1.15 - Any of Three Horses to Lose
$5.20 - Gold Edition/Miss Finland/Weekend Hussler to win
 

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KAVANAGH CHARGE ON CENTREBET!

* Centrebet punters have climbed into both star runners of Adelaide trainer Mark Kavanagh, declaring he can grab a prized Group 1 double at Caulfield on Saturday!

Kavanagh's Caulfield Cup fancy Maldivian is being tipped by Centrebet punters to cause the big upset in Saturday's group 1 Yalumba Stakes - and beat Miss Finland!

"We've taken nearly $18,000.00 on Maldivian, including one bet of $5.000.00 at $4.50, and another of $4,000.00 at $4.30," Centrebet's Neil Evans said. "Plenty of others too, and he firmed from $4.75 into $4.00 in 24 hours. "The horse is going great guns for Kavanagh and does seem Miss Finland's only realistic danger especially if he can control the race, but maybe punters have been baulked by the mighty mare's price - she's now out to $1.70 after opening $1.60." Evans said Maldividian had already been well backed to win the Caulfield Cup in Futures betting!

And punters are determined to make Kavanagh's Divine Madonna favourite for the Group 1 Toorak Handicap for mares. "Of the first $6,000.00 through the gate, 90 per cent of it was for his flying back-marker. She's $4.25 into $4.00, while early favourite Bon Hoffa has drifted from $3.50 to $3.75," Evans said. "The two could be close to equal favourites by race start, and if the racing pattern suits the finishers, look out for Divine Madonna," Evans said.

And despite a steady sprinkling of money for several runners, boom galloper Weekend Hussler is still a rock-solid $1.80 favourite to win Saturday's Group 1 Caulfield Guineas at just his fifth race start!
 

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Purple Moon 7-1 for the Caulfield Cup

Luca Cumani’s Puple Moon was the only overseas acceptor at the third declaration stage for next Saturday’s BMW Caulfield Cup in Melbourne. The runaway winner of the totesport ebor is one of thirty six horses that have been declared for the Aus$2.5 million contest.

The British raider is rated a 7-1 shot by bookmakers William Hill for the race, and also rated the same price to record a first ever British victory in the Melbourne Cup on the 6^th November.

The favourite for the race is the Maldivian, who is rated a 7-2 chance by the bookmaking firm

Saturday 20^th October

BMW Caulfield Cup: (William Hill Bet) 7-2 Maldivian, 7-1 Eskimo Queen, Purple Moon, Scenic Shot, 9-1 Maybe Better, 10-1 Princess Coup, 12-1 Douro Valley, 14-1 Blutigeroo, Master O’Reilly, 16-1 Annenkov, Mandela, 20-1 Anamoto, Blue Monday, Cinque Cinto, 25-1 Dolphin Jo, Pacino, 33-1 Brom Felinity, Molotov, Sirmione, Tawqeet, 50-1 Bar – E/W 1/5 1-2-3

Tuesday 6th November

Melbourne Cup: (William Hill Bet) 5-1 Efficient, 7-1 Purple Moon, 8-1 Miss Finland, 9-1 Maybe Better, 10-1 Zipping, 12-1 Master O'Reilly, Scorpion, 14-1 Eskimo Queen, 16-1 Princess Coup, Tungsten Strike, 20-1 Dolphin Joe, Mahler, Maldavian, 25-1 Blutigeroo,, Douro Vally,  33-1 Anenkov, Gallic, Mandela, On A Jeune, Tacit Agreement, Scenic Shot, 40-1 Black Tom, Blue Monday, 50-1 Dracs Back, Lazer Sharp, The Fuzz, Viz Vitae, 66-1 BarE/W 1/4 odds 1,2,3,4
 

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Ross McDonald’s boom three-year-old Weekend Hussler is set to jump one of the shortest priced favourites in Caulfield Guineas history after drawing barrier two for the 2007 edition on Saturday.

The son of Hussonet has been marked at $1.80 by Eskander’s Betstar after this morning’s barrier draw.

And the money is still coming for the favourite. Just after lunchtime one punter placed $100,000 on Weekend Hussler with Betstar at $1.80.

Scenic Blast, at $13, is the equal second favourite after drawing favourably in barrier four for the million dollar feature.

With Scenic Blast on the second line is the John Hawkes trained Marching.

Sharing the third line of betting at $16 are Barbaricus and Shrewd Rhythm.

Husson Lightning and Pit Lane are next in the market at $17.
 

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* The 2007 version of the Caulfield Guineas this Saturday has created 126-year-old market history, with leading bookmaker Centrebet fielding the biggest price gap between the race favourite and the rest of the field!

Centrebet's Neil Evans said a favourable barrier draw today for heavily-backed odds-on fancy Weekend Hussler has seen no other horse priced under a whopping $15.00 to win the one-mile classic for three-year-olds around Caulfield! Weekend Hussler, who has drawn the prized barrier two, is Centrebet's $1.80 favourite, ahead of Shrewd Rhythm and Barbaricus, both quoted at an outrageous $15.00!

"As far as I can see going back through the record books, I haven't come across a Caulfield Guineas market in history where the second line of betting is $15.00! Champions of the past like Tulloch, Luskin Star and Manikato all started well into the red, but the gap wasn't as big to the next horse. It says something about the 'blanket' and suspect form of this season's early three-year-olds."

Evans said Weekend Hussler had been backed to the exclusion of every other runner! "Put it this way, if you can find something to beat the "Hussler," you'll get paid very very well. And Brad Rawiller doesn't have to lead. From gate two, he can dominate from the top or sit right behind the speed. Weekend Hussler shortened into the red without even running on the weekend, now the barrier draw has sent every one of his rivals in the other direction."

One-time Golden Slipper favourite Murtajill ($19.00) drew poorly in gate 15 as did WA hope On The Warpath ($21.00) who drew the extreme outside gate!

Pit Lane, a $19.00 hope, has drawn the fence, while Husson Lightning is in barrier six!
 

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The super-smart Weekend Hussler is threatening to strangle the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas market firming into odds-on with Centrebet after more big backing in the last 48 hours!

“All the three-year-old form from the weekend did was shorten up Weekend Hussler,” Centrebet’s media chief Neil Evans said. “They plunged tens of thousands of dollars more on him after the running of the Group 2 Manifold at Flemington – and he’s now into a sensational $1.75 to win this Saturday’s three-year-old classic over a mile.”

Not one other horse in Centrebet’s market is in single figures, with Marching and Shrewd Rhythm both priced at $11.00 and Barbaricus $13.00!

“The three-year-old depth isn’t strong, and the gaps Weekend Hussler has been putting on his opposition has convinced punters across the country to get on. At this rate he will start around $1.50.”

Evans also reports strong backing for last-start JRA Cup winner Maldivian to win the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m)! “He’s firmed from $7.00 to $4.40 over the past 48 hours with some very sizeable bets,” Evans said. “Eskimo Queen has drifted from $5.50 to $7.50 after an ordinary run in Saturday’s Turnbull Stakes, while shock second place-getter Scenic Shot has firmed from $61.00 to $10.00.”

Turnbull Stakes winner and rising four-year-old Devil Moon is now rated an $8.00 chance in Centrebet’s Cox Plate market, but the biggest support has come for champion mare Miss Finland. “We took more money on her yesterday and she’s right in from $2.80 to $2.30.”

Evans said punters haven’t lost faith with highly-rated Haradasun. “He was heavily backed late to start $3.90 in the Turnbull and ran a strong third. There’s been a couple of large bets on Haradasun and he’s firmed to clear $5.50 second favourite to win the Cox Plate.”

And Maybe Better ($10.00) and Zipping ($12.00) are the market movers in Melbourne Cup betting, with early favourite Efficient drifting from $6.50 to $8.00 after finishing down the track in the Turnbull!