Melbourne Cup 2015: Race Schedule, Date, Odds, Weather Forecast and More
An impressive field has been assembled for the 155th edition of the Melbourne Cup, as 24 horse-and-jockey combinations seek to win the most prestigious chase in Australia.
Those down under will turn their attentions to their nearest television sets on Tuesday at 3 p.m. local time to take in the action from Flemington, with even casual fans taking a vested interest in the eight-furlong scramble for glory. Indeed, everyone sets aside a few Aussie dollars for a wager on the Melbourne Cup.
Although Fame Game is likely to go off as one of the shortest favourites in years, the strength in depth in the lineup makes this an extremely tough one to call. Here’s a look at some key details ahead of the race, how the bookmakers are seeing things and a closer examination of how the spectacle is likely to pan out on Tuesday.
Forecast details via Weather.com, odds via Oddschecker.com. Both accurate as of Nov. 2 at 9:15 a.m. (GMT).
Fame Game the Favourite for Melbourne Triumph
Japanese-trained horse Fame Game will be the overwhelming favourite to win this race on Tuesday—with good reason.
Trained by Yoshitada Munakata, he’s turned in some really eye-catching displays as of late. He finished in second place in the Group 1 Tenno Sho this season; in the Caulfield Cup, although he could only finish in sixth position, Fame Game surged through the field in the latter stages of the race in a style that’d be perfect for the Flemington showpiece.
Zac Purton will be aboard the favourite, and he’s an ideal, experienced hand for such a big race. However, as the jockey noted himself on Monday, there will be some concerns about the sodden circuit leading up to this one, per Andrew McCormack of Fox Sports:
Andrew McCormack @_AMcCormack7Zac Purton says the wet weather is a "concern" for Fame Game who doesn't like the wet. Hoping for a dry track tomorrow #MelbCup
While Fame Game will be tough to beat, anything is possible in a 24-horse field, and as aforementioned, there are a lot of quality competitors in this illustrious horse race.
Ascot Gold Cup winner Trip To Paris is in with a shout after making massive strides this year, proving he has the stamina to go the Melbourne Cup distance. Under the guidance of trainer Ed Dunlop, who is renowned for travelling horses expertly, the Caulfield Cup runner-up will feel there’s an excellent chance of taking victory.
Tommy Berry, who will be aboard Trip To Paris, also revealed he’s feeling very confident at the pre-race parade, per racing writer Tim Guille:
Tim Guille @timbguille@TommyBerry21 feeling "very confident" on his mount Trip to Paris in the 2015 @FlemingtonVRC Melbourne Cup https://t.co/srL6IvWfEy
Preferment is another who will catch the eye of punters before the big race gets going. Chris Waller’s horse has history of winning around this circuit too, taking victory in the Victoria Derby in 2014; he's also shown some encouraging form in 2015.
Those hoping for a little more value from their bet may take a look at Almoonqith, who has a jolt of speed that is well-suited to these kind of chases and sampled success in the Geelong Cup in the build-up. Max Dynamite is another to look out for here, with a win in the Lonsdale Cup last time out and with the steady hand of Frankie Dettori in the saddle.
Max Dynamite hasn’t raced since August, but as noted by Andrew Bensley of Sky Sports, he has looked in fine fettle during his preparations for the race:
Andrew Bensley @AndrewBensleyMax Dynamite has worked at Werribee... Strongest piece since being here.... Only problem I got warm up lap. https://t.co/IvlN1Pxuha
Fame Game will go very close at Flemington, as has been evident by some strong recent displays over the eight-furlong distance. His camp will be hoping the going is good come race day as forecast, thus allowing the favourite to settle into a rhythm before tapping into his late speed.
Trip To Paris is likely to have an edge, though. Dunlop’s horse has previously proved he has adaptability, not only to stay the distance in closely contested races such as the Melbourne Cup, but to move through the gears late on. Expect Berry to ease him to the front in the final furlong and take victory ahead of the pre-race favourite.
Prediction: 1. Trip To Paris, 2. Fame Game, 3. Max Dynamite, 4. Almoonqith
