Buckaroo and Vauban favorites for Melbourne Cup

Released: 04/11/2024 – 03:36

2 min

First raced in 1861, the punishing 3,200-metre (two-mile) handicap race at Flemington is considered the ultimate test of endurance and endurance.

With A$8 million ($5.25 million) at stake, the winner from a field of 24 will take A$4.4 million and become an instant household name in Australia, where the race is a cultural institution.

Weighing in at 54.5kg, the Chris Waller-trained Buckaroo finished second in this year’s Caulfield Cup over 2400m, having taken two early-season wins.

The six-year-old gelding, coming past barrier 21, was once again entrusted to Brazilian Joao Moreira – a two-time runner-up – with his chances reduced after hot favorite Via Sistina was eliminated last week.

Via Sistina, also trained by Waller, won by eight lengths in the Cox’s Plate at Moonee Valley last month, moving the mare up the rankings.

But the owner of Yulong Investments decided to give her a rest.

“Buckaroo is a great horse,” said Waller, who trained 2021 Melbourne Cup winner Verry Elligant and has four runners in Tuesday’s race.

“He came through the Caulfield Cup very well.”

Another highly ranked contender, Irish import Jan Brueghel, suffered scratches after failing a veterinary examination, reportedly due to a weak lower leg.

The four-year-old has won all four of his career starts since arriving in Australia a month ago, with frustrated trainer Aidan O’Brien branding the decision “ridiculous”.

Depth

Without these two, the strong Vauban (55.5kg) was joint favorite after crossing barrier 11 and under the guidance of top English jockey William Buick.

Born in France but trained in Ireland, Vauban flew to Australia last year with hopes of winning but was unsuccessful, finishing 14th and struggling in the heat.

Trainer Willie Mullins is nonetheless confident after the seven-year-old finished second in the Irish St Leger in September to superstar Kyprios.

“As we know, you don’t just show up and collect the prize,” Mullins told reporters.

“Last year a lot of people gave us marks for it, but I think the preparation of our horses this year was good.

“Vauban has been very good all season and he brings great depth of form to the race.”

Top jockey Mark Zara has ridden the last two Melbourne Cup winners – No Fight and Golden Ride – and will be in the hunt again, this time on the five-year-old Circle of Fire stallion, who is currently third favourite.

But his work was interrupted after he set the widest possible barrier at the age of 24.

“Twenty-four is the usual number… but Mark is flying so it doesn’t matter,” said coach Ciaron Maher.

Kerryn McEvoy is looking for a fourth win at the helm of Absurde, another win from the Mullins stable.

The race features four female jockeys, more than ever before.

Jamie Ka will be riding Okita Sushi alongside Rachel King (The Map), Winona Costin (Positivity) and British star Holly Doyle (The Sea King).

Michelle Payne is the only female driver to win the Melbourne Cup after guiding the Prince of Penzance to victory in 2015.

© 2024 AFP