This year’s Melbourne Cup is shaping up as one of the most unpredictable in history.
English horse Marmelo is the longest-priced favourite since the TAB began Melbourne Cup odds 16 years ago, and racing experts agree the race will be wide open.
Marmelo is the favourite at $8 while last year’s winner Almandin is out to $9.50.
Three-time Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Glen Boss told 7 News he was struggling to pick a clear winner.
English horse Marmelo is the longest-priced favourite since the TAB began Melbourne Cup odds 16 years ago
‘I could look at this race so many times and not pick the winner,’ he said.
‘It’s so open this year.’
Kathy O’Hara – the only woman riding in this year’s cup – is riding Single Gaze, the horse with the longest odds at $41.
‘It would mean the world to me, not only just me and my career but also to win for Nick [Olive] and all of the owners in this horse,’ she said.
‘She’s come from many humble beginnings and she’s just come so far in her career. For her to come back after a really nasty fall, it just says volumes about her temperament, her will to win and her toughness.’
Italian jockey Frankie Dettori is back for his 16th crack at the race in 24 years, having finished second on Max Dynamite in 2015.
‘To me the Melbourne Cup is one of the biggest races in the world and I haven’t won,’ he said.
In addition to being unpredictable, this year’s Cup will also be the coldest in a decade.
Italian jockey Frankie Dettori is back for his 16th crack at the race in 24 years, having finished second on Max Dynamite in 2015
Temperatures will max out at 16C, with cold southerlies and showers expected at Flemington in the morning.
‘It will be a cool Cup Day and will probably be the coldest since 2006,’ forecaster Rod Dickson told AAP.
The worst of the weather is expected to clear by the time the race begins in the afternoon.
Marmelo is the favourite at $8 while last year’s winner Almandin (pictured) is out to $9.50