Straight from the horse’s mouth Speakers Institute have been given Tips and a full race synopsis for the 2018 Melbourne Cup. Giddy Up!

Melbourne Cup - Suggested Bets for $40- in total

Youngstar $10- to win returning $150-

Marmelo $10- to win returning $140-

Cross Counter $10- to win returning $90

Rostropovich $5- to win returning $120

Sound Check $5- to win returning $170

1. BEST SOLUTION (Barrier 6) Approx. win Div: $15 Gritty Caulfield Cup winner who’s drawn perfectly in gate six. It was a terrific win at Caulfield, and came after back-to-back Group 1 wins in Germany. Those three wins were over 2400m; however, he’s never raced beyond that trip. He’ll settle in the front half and look a great chance to win, however carrying topweight of 57.5kg at his first test over this distance. Means he’ll have to be as tough as he was when winning at Caulfield. Probably NO.

2. THE CLIFFSOFMOHER (9) $15 A great run in the Caulfield Cup when third, when he kept coming down the outside even though the front runners had it shot to pieces. He’s got a nice alley, one of the world’s best jockeys in Ryan Moore, a master trainer in Aidan O’Brien, and brings good form from some of the biggest races in England. The biggest problem is it’s his first go beyond 2400m, he has a low Win Percentage, with only three wins from 17 start, and he’s got a big weight in 56.5kg. Still, I wouldn’t stop you backing him. Overall, have to say NO

3. MAGIC CIRCLE (17) $9.50 Awesome English form, winning his last two by six lengths. Last start was in a 3264m Group 3 at Sandown, beating Red Verdon, who was rated a good chance for this race before being ruled out by injury. The start before he killed them in the Chester Cup, when he attacked the line well at the end of 3749m. The barrier is a worry; however, he’ll contend with that better than most, and the trip’s no problem. Good chance. However, being more of a Grinder, most possible a more ‘Brilliant’ horse with a final late Surge will beat him.

4. CHESTNUT COAT (4), $51 Japanese stayer who went well over 3200m in the Group 1 Tenno Sho in Kyoto three runs back when a close-up fifth, beaten 1.8 lengths. Has a great barrier. He’ll get the trip however can’t recommend on his last-start 13th in the Caulfield Cup his last run in Australia, have to say NO

5. MUNTAHAA (13), $11 Trained by one of England’s best trainers John Gosden, and ridden by a good jockey in Jim Crowley, who got his eye in with a winning double on Bendigo Cup day last week. He ran only fourth behind Best Solution two starts back over 2414m in a Group 2 at Newmarket, however was left behind when they quickened. However last start he was very impressive winning by 3.25 lengths over the 2816m of the Ebor Handicap at York, which is often a good guide to this race. His first run at this trip however he’s a big bloke who should get a good spot from barrier 13, and they say he’s been working well at the Werribee training centre. Strong chance of grinding into the top 4.

6. SOUND CHECK (16), $41 German import now trained in Australia by Mike Moroney, who won the Melbourne Cup with Brew in 2000. He chased home Best Solution two starts back in a 2400m Group 1 in Germany, however ran poorly in the Caulfield Cup next start when he came 12th. He did win a 3200m G2 in Germany four starts back, beating the very handy Nearly Caught. He can run the trip however will need luck getting a good run from his barrier.  Good odds for a very possible TOP 3 finisher.

7. WHO SHOT THEBARMAN (18), $51 Having his fourth go at this race, and he always gives performs honestly. He finished on well when fourth last start in the Moonee Valley Cup. He’s 10 years of age, so it was a fantastic effort from him and his trainer Chris Waller when they won the 3200m Sydney Cup last autumn. Grand old Campaigner. However, reality says NO

8. ACE HIGH (22), $81 Aiming to emulate Efficient by winning this race after winning the Victoria Derby a year earlier, however he disappointed in the Caulfield Cup when 15th after leading early. That race was on soft ground, which he doesn’t like, so possibly with a better track on race day he could turn around his form. He appears to show he can stay the trip, though he hasn’t been past 2500m, however still you’d like to have seen him do more at Caulfield. And a terrible barrier here.  Can’t see a Top 4 finish.  NO

9. MARMELO (10), $18 2nd trip to Australia for this France-based runner. Last year he stormed home for sixth in the Caulfield Cup, he then disappointed in last year’s Melbourne Cup when equal-favourite and only managed to run ninth. The stable said he didn’t back up well from Caulfield last year, so he’s coming in without an Australian lead-up run this time. Has been in good form with wins over 2800m and two seconds over 3000m at his past four starts. Should get nice cover from barrier 10, and is ridden by inform jockey Hugh Bowman, who’s in unbeatable form, and his trainer Hugh Morrison, is a great trainer of stayers. With not too bad a weight, at 55kg.   I’d give Marmelo a very good chance of Top 2

10. AVILIUS (11), $13 Ticks all the boxes. Has acclimatised to Australia very well after joining the James Cummings stable from Europe, having won his first four Australian starts. The latest of those was over 2500m at Flemington in The Bart Cummings, where he beat Jaameh, who ran a good third last Saturday. Avilius’ last start fourth in the Cox Plate was a very good effort when he finished on well. In France, he ran second to the great Cracksman over 2400m last year, with another Cup runner, Finche, third. However, Avilius hasn’t raced beyond the 2500m of The Bart Cummings, and appeared to run-in under pressure at the end of that race, which doesn’t look well for his ability to run 2 miles. However he’s a classy type with great acceleration. One of the best Australian Horses.  Has a touch of Brilliance. Could be horse to run over the top of the Grinders.  Good Chance to Win

11. YUCATAN (23), $6.00 Here was our clear early Cup favourite. He killed them in his lead-up run, in the 2400m Herbert Power Stakes, where he could have won by eight lengths if not eased up. That was a far better run than Protectionist turned in when fourth in that race before winning the 2014 Melbourne Cup. However, Yucatan didn’t beat any great horses in that last start of his. He hasn’t raced beyond 2400m, and will have to overcome a horror barrier here and step up to the 3200m. He deserves to be favourite on his last run, however - COMPUTER says NO.

12. AUVRAY (1), $126 Honest eight-year-old and he deserves to run. He has won at 3000m, however that was in France four years ago. Not too keen. Finish closer to Last than 1st.

13. FINCHE (15), $31 Has slipped under the radar since joining the Chris Waller stable from France recently he then turned in a terrific first-up Australian run when storming home for third in the 2400m Geelong Cup, which is usually a good guide for this. Has fairly impressive European form, including winning over 2500m at Deauville last start, beating Tiberian, who was seventh in last year’s Melbourne Cup. Six starts back he finished third behind Cracksman, and the start before that he beat Avilius into third over 2000m. Has a poor barrier however has a great jockey in Zac Purton.  Could be the quiet achiever.   Possible Top 4 Finisher.

14. RED CARDINAL (5), $101  Won twice over 3200m in group races in America and Germany last year which is great for his Distance credentials, however that seems a long time ago now. Last start he ran poorly when coming 11th in the Moonee Valley Cup. He has a good barrier, and Damien Oliver aboard, however that’s the best you can say for him.  Only good thing is the word RED in name.  Don’t think he’s gonna do a ‘Red Cadeaux’ though.  Not a Chance.

15. VENGEUR MASQUE (2), $67 An honest type who always puts in a good effort, like when he made ground late to finish ninth, beaten just under five lengths, in the Caulfield Cup. Still, he’s been unplaced in his past six runs, and barrier two might be the best thing about him. Current Form is poor.  Will finish Midfield at best.

16. VENTURA STORM (7), $31 Comes in after winning the 2600m Moonee Valley Cup, finally scoring a win after 17 Australian starts since coming from Europe. Prince Of Penzance finished second in the Moonee Valley cup before winning the Cup in 2015. So nothing is impossible. However, this bloke has failed at two 3200m runs in Australia, in last year’s Melbourne Cup and then the Sydney Cup, so running out the distance is a definite query. Still, trainer David Hayes is very keen about his chances.   However, I can’t see it running top 5. So, NO.

17. A PRINCE OF ARRAN (20), $16 A very dour English stayer who charged into contention, and into this race, with a terrific lead-up run when winning the Lexus Stakes over 2500m last Saturday, after running third in Yucatan’s win of the Herbert Power stakes. He’s won over 3200m on the turf in Dubai, and been placed over this trip in America and England before coming here. The problem for the Lexus winner is always the quick back-up, Shocking did it to win the Cup in 2009 but it’s a big ask.  In his favour, he’s only had two runs this preparation. What a Shocking barrier draw though.  Place chance, however Barrier will stop it doing better.

18. NAKEETA (3), $126 Scotland’s hope who ran well for fifth in this race last year. He’s definitely not in that kind of form now though, after his poor 13th placing in the Moonee Valley Cup.  Can’t see anything to suggest he won’t finish closer to last.  NO

19. SIR CHARLES ROAD (14), $101 Fought on when third in last week’s Bendigo Cup, however that’s probably not a great recommendation leading into the Melbourne Cup.  Best chance would be lots and lots of rain. Charlie not up to most of these.  NO chance.

20. ZACADA (24), $201 Ran second over this trip in the Sydney Cup last autumn, however his form this preparation has been very poor. Last start he ran 12th in the Geelong Cup. And on top of that, he’s drawn the outside barrier of the field. Not good enough at moment.  Will Closer to back of Field than the front.

21. RUNAWAY (12), $41 Great to see Gai Waterhouse with another runner, who came into contention by leading all the way in the Geelong Cup. That was a great ride from Stephen Baster, who will be steering Runaway again here. It’s his first go at this trip, however he did lead throughout to win the 2800m VRC St Leger here last autumn, so should be able to run the distance. I’m expecting he will lead and should give you a nice run for your money for a long way if you’ve back him.  Will be fit, however not really sure whether he will still be leading with 100 metres to go.   Possibly Top 5.

22. YOUNGSTAR (8), $19 Very classy progressive stayer from the Chris Waller yard who gave Winx a run for her money when running second in the Turnbull Stakes two starts ago. She then ran on well in the Caulfield Cup for seventh placing in a race where backmarkers had no chance due to the way the race was run and she ran the fastest last 200m of the race, despite having lost a shoe. It’s hard for a four-year-old mare to win this race, however expecting she’ll give an honest account, and from a good barrier, with a tiny weight, who knows! A progressive horse who just could be the one Storming home over the last 200 metres. Great Top 3 Chance.

23. CROSS COUNTER (19), $11 Now here’s a horse with a lot going for him, An English stayer getting into the race with only 51kg on his back. Great trainer in Charlie Appleby, and a great jockey in Kerrin McEvoy, who’s won this race twice, and is who you want steering if you’ve drawn barrier 19. Ran a good last start second in a 2400m Group 2 at York, and third-placegetter Kew Gardens has since won the 2800m St Leger. The start before, won a 2400m Group 3 at Goodwood in track record time. Watching his English races, he’s got the tactical speed to overcome his wide alley, and we’re told he has been training the house down at Werribee. Not having a lead up race in Australia is a worry.  However, I’m expecting this fellow to finish Top 4.

24. ROSTROPOVICH (21), $26 Another lightweight chance from the O’Brien stable, who rate him highly. Showed good speed to lead in the Cox Plate before finishing fifth. That catches your attention: a European horse, having a lead-up run for this, in the Cox Plate. It’s unusual, and suggests he must have needed it, and will take benefit from it. Moonee Valley might not have suited him that day either, because he’s a big boy. He’s lightly raced, with just 13 starts, and it’s his first go past 2400m, however you think he’ll be better suited by the open spaces of Flemington. Barrier 21 is a worry though. Distance the issue.  However, Bred to Stay.   Could be the surprise packet.  Looking at a Top 5 Finish.

Analysis

YOUNGSTAR & AVILIUS – Best of the Aussies

The lack of early speed was against her in the Caulfield Cup after stretching Winx in the Turnbull Stakes. Is worth another chance and looks the best of the locals along with Avilius, trained by James Cummings whose horses are going very well at the moment and Avilius has been putting in the miles just like Bart used to do with his horses.

 SOUND CHECK - Best Outsider

Passes the first hurdle. Has won over the distance.  In a short career has good distance form.  However, went poorly in first Aussie start and appears to have been written off.  If can return to his form early in the year, would go Close to winning this. Well worth a bet at odds over $40-

ROSTROPOVICH – Next Best outsider

A progressive horse who is well thought of by Stable.  Put in a good lead up run in Cox Plate with this as his Grand Final. With even luck, and a light weight, could be the horse to Shock the favourites.

MARMELO – Proven at the distance

The horse who appears best credentialed over 3000 metres plus is Marmello who has had 7 runs at the distance with 2 wins and 4 placings.  Paying $15- is a great chance.

CROSS COUNTER - Best of the favoured runners

Has moved impressively to the top grades quickly. He’s jumping up in distance and class. However, he has an impressive trainer who has proven he knows what it takes to win in Australia, and is ridden by a jockey who is World wide quality and has won this event before.  Great Chance.

 BEST BASED ON BREEDING

 1st Cross Counter (GB) (Teofilo)

 2nd Youngstar (High Chaparral)

 3rd The Cliffsofmoher (IRE) (Galileo)