The Melbourne Cup is fast approaching and Gibbo has taken an early look at seven of the leading contenders in the market.
With Saint George now out of contention, Gibbo runs his eye over the key chances, with a particular focus on the international runners and what their overseas form tells us.
This isn’t a tipping preview, but rather an early guide to help punters get a better understanding of some of the leading hopes. There are plenty of other runners with genuine winning chances, and Gibbo will take a closer look at the full field next week.
POINT OF LAW $6 – Winner of the Geelong Cup and I think that is the A form this year, I could quite easily have backed the 2nd and 3rd placegetters from that race in the cup. So you have to give this lightly raced horse a huge tick from being on speed and being too good. He was very good in the UK before arriving and the stable he has joined is absolutely airborne. Looks as though he will be right on speed but I think you could ride him anywhere you like and he’s not one that a barrier would worry me with. He is a good one with plenty of upside left.
TRUSTYOURINSTINCT $8 – I believe McDonald has now been booked for this horse. He is a flashy type but is not a big horse by any means. Love the fact he has a turn of foot and can stay as well. Ran midfield at his latest run but two back was the winner of the Curragh Cup (G2), thats the replay below.
DEFIANTLY $11 – An out and out stayer and feel they will try to be right on speed and make it as much of a staying event as they can. No bagging his ability but he lacks a turn of foot. Blinkers have helped and in a great stable. Winner of his last two starts, one at 4100m and the latest 3000m in France (replay below)
JAMES J BRADDOCK $11 – This bloke could be anything. Really like what I have seen with him and he is full of class. 3200m is a little query but he’s got a turn of foot and matched it with some of the best northern hemisphere 3yr olds. Hasn’t beat the handicapper but the weight is probably fair. Nothing would surprise me with this horse and he will go on whatever ground is thrown up on the day. His last couple haven’t been great but the aim is the cup and the last start has merit knowing they would have time to screw him down more once they arrived here. Replay below was three runs ago in the Epsom Derby which is elite form (runs 3rd down the outside)
SHOCKLETZ $11 – Another one in the all conquering Maher camp. She might be the one that has beaten the handicapper. As soon as she won the race to get in, Maher eased off and it has all been aimed at the first Tuesday in November. Just 51kg and she is ticking over nicely while her stablemates win everything. Her replay below is the Archer stakes 2500m at Flemington, this was the win and you are in race.
HOPEWELL ROCK $15 – Thought this was the one the market missed but there has been money for it the last couple of days, in from $21. Lightly raced horse who has won or placed in 8 of 10. Might not be the quickest out of the gate but relaxes well and can quicken up like a good horse. Got out to 2800m two starts back and beat SMALL FRY who since run 2nd in the Geelong cup. Then went to the Ebor 2800m on soft ground and was excellent running 2nd there in a 22 horse field. Real sense of timing about him and feel he is in well with 54.5kg. Replay below is running 2nd in the Ebor
STINGER GLASS $15 – I really can’t give you much here. I am usually as good as anyone finding replays etc but very few to go off in recent times. The Japanese have terrific stayers though and I always respect what they bring.
