If you’re a cup half full kinda person, then don’t look any further than UK raider Absurde.
In the minutes leading up to the 2023 Melbourne Cup, he was the subject of a betting plunge and he looked the winner at the 300m, but his run came to an end and finished a respectable seventh.
Fast forward to 2024 and his shrewd trainer Willie Mullins, much like his horse, is better for the run. Willie has taken a different approach with Absurde this time around, with two runs on the flat, rather than a start over the fences and then a run on the flat.
In 2023 his lead up run was in a Class 2 Handicap, which he won. This year he ran fourth in a G3 and then won a Listed race at Chester, proving his growth as a quality stayer. Importantly he paraded well last year, unlike his stablemate, Vauban, who had run his race before leaving the mounting yard.
Undeterred by the massacre that punters endured last year (me included), Vauban has again been posted as equal favourite ($6.50) with Absurde dancing around the double figures mark. He races at the elite level almost every start, which is why he is shorter in the market and the last start second behind Kyprios is elite form for a Melbourne Cup. Kyprios would start $2 on Tuesday.
Historically the best formline for the Cup has been the Caulfield Cup and for that reason, Buckaroo is a well found commodity. If he runs out a strong 3200m, look out.
When looking at history, who could forget the wins of Media Puzzle, Americain and Dunaden. They all had the Geelong Cup to thank for their form on Cup Day and this year we see Onesmoothoperator line up after a demolition job at Geelong two weeks ago. That sense of timing has my full attention!
If you like roughies then there’s plenty of options for you.
Okita Sushi & Interpretation – trained by Ciaron Maher who wins everything.
Zardozi – grandson of the great Bart Cummings and like the Cups King has taken a non-traditional path to the Cup.
