NewZ NewZ with a Zeal
After trying our hardest on Saturday and coming up empty-handed, we are on the short turnaround for another edition of Payney’s Punt. Melbourne Cup Day is a smorgasbord of racing for everyone to enjoy, headlined by none other than the race that stops the nation. Incentivise might be the shortest-priced favourite to win the Cup since the legendary Phar Lap, but anything can happen in the 3200m classic. We return to Flemington for a 10-race card and there is value everywhere you look. The sun will be blazing down on Tuesday afternoon, so expect the track to be a Good 4 or upgraded to a Good 3. The rail will be out 2m after racing true on Saturday. The Maribyrnong Plate is always a tricky race to begin Melbourne Cup Day. This year will be no different. Only three runners started before. Brereton (1) placed second on debut in the Debutant Stakes ahead of Renosu (3) who was third. Lascars (2) ran second in the Maribyrnong Trial last month. Has the straight track experience. Nannu (8) beat him in a recent jumpout. Quinlan (9) won a recent jumpout at this track. Water Bomber (10) won in style in a Moe jumpout. Highland Harry (6) is trained by Shepparton export Liam Howley. As always, watch the market movers before the race. Lascars goes on top. The big one. It is one of the best races in the world and this year’s instalment is set to be a cracker. Will the odds-on favourite salute? Or will a long shot come up trumps and shock? These questions will be answered. Last year’s winner Twilight Payment (1) will lead and set a solid pace. Has 58kg to deal with. Incentivise (2) is the one they have to beat. Has won nine on the bounce and is incredible to watch. Defied a tough barrier to win the Caulfield Cup last start. Has to overcome 57kg, with the last horse winning with that weight being the legendary Makybe Diva in 2005. In terms of the next best, Spanish Mission (3) comes in with great European form. Grand Promenade (16) has been terrific and won the G3 Bart Cummings last start. Will go around with 52kg and that’s a massive weight relief from previous runs over staying journeys. Has drawn out wide, but can overcome it. Floating Artist (22) is another who could surprise at a low weight. Will race on the speed and give itself every chance. Delphi (7) is another who maps to get a cosy run behind the leader. Forgive last run in the Caulfield Cup. Lost out to Nonconformist earlier in the prep, with that horse running second to Incentivise in the Caulfield Cup. The third placegetter behind Nonconformist and Delphi could shock. We may have a soft spot for Tralee Rose (21), but the Warnambool runner deserves a spot. Has raced over this journey before in the Adelaide Cup where the mare finished fourth and had excuses (respiratory issues). The weight relief will help, but needs to find a bit more to match the likes of the above. Persan (12) showed glimpses of his best last start in the Caulfield Cup and ran third. Ran fifth in this race last year and expect another big run.
