Melbourne Cup 2010

Race 7 Emirates Melbourne Cup 3200m

12.Harris Tweed - 11.Descarado - 19.Holberg - 15.Monaco Consul

The 150th running of The Melbourne Cup will this year not just be 'The race that stops a nation' but, 'The race that stops the world'.

With nine international horses lining up against the best Australia has to offer, including possibly the best horse in the last 20 years, this magnificent field will not disappoint.

After receiving 64mm of rain since midday on Saturday, the Flemington track looks to of improved dramatically, but a wet cup will still be a major possiblilty. This will definitely be a big factor into determining the winner.

I believe this years Caulfield Cup is a great form reference for the Melbourne Cup, and the trifecta from that race will be right in the finish once again.

'Harris Tweed' ran second in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup at his last start and gets 1.5kg from the winner. He is a proven stayer, running third in this years Sydney Cup, and the wet track will only help the son of 'Montjeu'. From barrier 13, Brad Rawiller should give the gelding a perfect ride, and after settling better than midfield, will be hard to run down.

The winner of the Caulfield Cup 'Descarado' rises in weight after his strong win, and was sharpened up in the Mackinnon Stakes on Saturday. If the track gets any more rain, he is a certain place runner. Barrier 1 might be the only concern if he doesn't fly the gates, but he will settle in the first half of the field and look the winner at some point during the race.

Saeed Bin Suroor is still seeking his first Melbourne Cup, and I believe he has a great hope in the lightly raced 'Holberg'. His only try at the distance reaped a convincing win, and with arguably the best jockey in the world riding him, he will be in it for a long way. The wet weather might be his only concern.

'Monaco Consul', 'Once Were Wild' and 'Illustrious Blue' are a must in Trifectas and First Fours.

'So You Think' could prove to be the greatest horse in living memory, but I am doubting his ability in a true staying test, and the short odds aren't appealing.

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